carrots

In the absence of convenience foods, hubs has become quite the chef around here. One of his most recent discoveries was this delightful recipe from all recipes.com. Combined with my new-found cream cheese making skills, it's a pretty sensational dessert. We had a little bon voyage party for some friends this weekend and it was a tasty addition. Beware though, 6 cups of grated carrots doesn't come quickly:)

BEST EVER CARROT CAKE

Ingredients
6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raisins
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine grated carrots and brown sugar. Set aside for 60 minutes, then stir in raisins.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10 inch cake pans.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually beat in the white sugar, oil and vanilla. Stir in the pineapple. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, stir into the wet mixture until absorbed. Finally stir in the carrot mixture and the walnuts. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. When completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.



My favorite discovery for the party? A Bon Voyage banner using local pictures and picnik.com to add the lettering. I feel very inspired by the possibilities. What a fun birthday banner to catalog a year in little bit's life, right??? Sadly, picnik is only up and running for another month or so. Oh, how I will miss it!