Royal Blue Velvet Cake

"I was on FaceBook and the stunning photo for this popped up on the side bar. I just had to make this! EXPERT TIPS: To achieve the royal blue velvet color, remember the toothpickful of violet paste food color; if forgotten, the cake will bake up turquoise in color. Paste food color will create the royal blue velvet color; liquid or gel food color may not get you the desired results. My grocery store didn't carry the food color pastes; I found them at a crafts store in the Wilton baking section; they are also called "icing color". This cake is so fun to make, present, and delicious enough that this may become my signature cake in the future. I recommend making it way in advance as it needs time to "sit" in order to control the cake layers from the frosting and to harden the candy garnish. NUTRITION INFORMATION per serving: Calories 390 (Calories from Fat 170), Total Fat 19g (Saturated Fat 9g, Trans Fat 1/2g), Cholesterol 75mg; Sodium 340mg, Total Carbohydrate 53g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 39g), Protein 3g; Percent Daily Value: Vitamin A 8.00%, Vitamin C 0.00%, Calcium 8.00%, Iron 4.00%, Exchanges: 1 Starch, 0 Fruit, 2 ½ Other Carbohydrate, 0 Skim Milk, 0 Low-Fat Milk, 0 Milk, 0 Vegetable, 0 Very Lean Meat, 0 Lean Meat, 0 High-Fat Meat, 3 ½ Fat, Carbohydrate Choices 3 ½, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet."