AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY CAKE

*Fourth of July Collection-PREP: 25 minutes BAKE: 30 minutes and cooling 1/2 cup shortening 1-1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup red food coloring 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-1/4 cups cake flour 2 TB baking cocoa 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup buttermilk SAUCE: 3/4 cup sugar 2 TB cornstarch 1 cup orange juice 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Dash salt CREAM: 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 3 TB confectioners' sugar*In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs,one at a time,beating well after each addition. Beat in the food coloring, vinegar and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda, add to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk.*Pour into a greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.*For the sauce, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the orange juice until smooth. Add the blueberries, nutmeg and salt; cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Cool.*In a small bowl,whip the cream and confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form. Serve cake with sauce and whipped cream.Yield: 15 servings.(Source: Taste of Home & photo also)