Willard Scott`s Christmas Cake

2 1/2 c Self-rising flour

1 ts White vinegar

1 1/2 c Sugar

1 ts Soda

1 c Buttermilk

2 lg Eggs

1 ts Unsweetened cocoa

1 ts Vanilla

1 1/2 c Cooking oil

1/4 c Red food coloring; 2 bottles

-----frosting----- 1/3 lb Butter; softened

1 lb Powdered sugar

10 oz Cream cheese; softened

2 c Nuts; finely chopped

Mix all cake ingredients together at medium speed in a mixer until well blended. Pour into 3 prepared 9" cake pans. Bake at 350~F for approximately 20 minutes. FROSTING: Beat first three ingredients together until fluffy. Fold in 1 1/2 cups pecans, reserving 1/2 cup to decorate the top of the cake. Frost cooled cake layers, then decorate the top. W.S. didn`t say, but walnuts would also work fine. Chill cake one hour or more before serving. -----