HELOISE Cake recipe is requested

Dear Heloise: I missed the red velvet cake recipe that was printed in your column. May I get a copy? Francine Clark, Via E-mail
You sure can. This has to be one of the most popular and most requested cake recipes! When I asked readers to send in their favorite versions years ago, more than 15,000 responded! This time, I will print the "Quick Red Velvet Cake" version with yellow cake, but you can use a chocolate cake mix, too -- just leave out the cocoa mentioned in the recipe below. You'll need:
1 box yellow cake mix (18.25 ounces)
5 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup low-fat buttermilk (or regular)
2 tablespoons cocoa (not if using chocolate cake mix)
2 ounces red food coloring
Combine the dry cake mix with the eggs, oil, buttermilk, cocoa and food coloring as listed above. Only add ingredients we list -- do not add ingredients on box mix. Check the directions on the cake box to see how long you need to beat the ingredients together before baking. Bake according to cake-box directions. Frost with a canned cream-cheese frosting. Yummy! I have lots of delicious recipes -- even one for Shoo-Fly Pie -- in my Heloise's Cake Recipe pamphlet. To receive a copy, send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Cake, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. Did you know that you can substitute applesauce for the oil in this recipe? Just use the same amount (1/2 cup) for a healthier dessert. Also, visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, for some of the other versions. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have a very hard time opening these newfangled pull-top cans of vegetables and soup. Probably everything will be that way before long.
I do not have the strength to open them and got downright irritated. I am used to doing things for myself. I found I can put the end of a wooden-spoon handle through the loop, rest the back part of the spoon on the can and push down on the spoon. Comes open as slick as a whistle. No chance of cutting myself, either.
I much prefer the old way, where I can just use a can opener, either manual or electric. When you get to be a "seasoned middle-ager," you do not have the strength you did when you were young. Charmane L. Fogt, Sidney
I agree with you. I have a hard time getting the tab lifted sometimes. So, I use the other end of a tablespoon to pop the tab up. And now, your idea of inserting something handy will save a lot of frustration in the kitchen. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I refresh bakery products, such as coffee cakes, etc., by splitting the crusts and adding other fillings such as fresh fruit, making them more nutritious. N. Sherman, San Diego
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate