I was so thrilled when Holly asked me to be part of her Blog-able Feast (although I'm quite certain I am the only non-professional-quilter! I'm trying hard not to be intimidated!!) We are starting with desserts, and I'm happy to share one of my favorite Fall recipes. I started making this recipe about 5 years and originally found it on Allrecipes. Get ready, it's going to make your home smell heavenly!
Ingredients:
6 Cups grated carrots
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Raisins
4 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 tsp. Vanilla
1 Cup crushed pineapple (well drained)
3 Cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Salt
4 tsp Cinnamon (or apple pie spice)
1-2 Cups chopped walnuts*
Directions:
1) Mix carrots and brown sugar in a medium bowl and let sit 1 hour. Stir in raisins.
2) Pre-heat oven to 350 and grease & flour (2) 10" pans**.
3) In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually add in the sugar, oil & vanilla. Stir in the pineapple.
4) In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt & cinnamon. Add to wet mixture until absorbed. Stir in the carrot/raisin mixture.
5) Pour into prepared pans & bake for 45-50 minutes or until cake tester indicates done. Cool for 10 minutes & remove from pan. Allow to cool before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
(2) 8 oz packages of cream cheese
1/2 Cup butter softened
2 Cups confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
In a mixer or bowl, cream the cream cheese & butter until smooth. Add the vanilla and gradually add in the confectioners sugar.
*I omit the walnuts inside of the cake and just use them to coat the sides. If you are a nut lover, you can add 1 cup to the cake and have 1 1/2 cups on had for decoration.
**I made this cake using (3) 10" pans so I'd have more layers, if you do this, just reduce the cooking time.
I think that Parsley makes the most adorable little carrot tops, so if your feeling adventurous, pipe on some carrots and throw on some parsley!
So aside from sharing a recipe, I am supposed to share something that I'm working on. Unfortunately, all I've been working on are these Halloween Banners (which my blog readers recently read about).
So to spice things up a little, I've decided to give one away (and did you notice, the banner features one of Holly's Fabrics?? : ) Just leave me a comment and tell me, what's your favorite thing about Fall? Mine? Hmm, the smell of onions & garlic saute-ing on the stove, crisp cool nights, The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Apple Picking, Soups & Candy Corn. I'll pick a winner when I am back home from the wedding on Monday.
Have at it!
xoxo