Friday, February 24, 2006

Carrot Cake for Kelly


My niece had a bouncing baby boy, Harrison, whom I will affectionately call Harry--I can't resist. He was a whopping 8 pounds, 6 oz.! He has Kelly's red hair so I thought I would make one of her favorite cakes, carrot. I wish I could box it up and mail it to them. We will enjoy it in her and baby Harry's honor.

I made this for Kelly's first baby shower and it was a hit. I was working at a small private school in Virginia at the time, and my friend there, Amy, gave me this recipe. It is the best carrot cake I have ever had. Amy always had the best recipes. The office couldn't wait for a birthday so she would bring in one of her goodies. We were kind of the black sheeps in the office. We would have to hide in her office and giggle about things that no one else would. We had the best time there. I miss her and her friendship. :-( The icing is one I found on Epicurious many years ago that I have altered a bit, of course. The ginger in it adds just a little flavor. I never have fresh on hand, so I use the crystallized ginger that I always keep in the pantry. It's good for upset tummies, and the kids don't mind eating anything that is sweet. Hey, me neither!

Here tis':

Amy-Lu's Carrot Cake


  • 3 C grated carrots
  • 2 C all-purpose flour
  • 2 C sugar
  • 1 t baking powder
  • 2 t baking soda
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1 t ground cinnamon
  • 4 eggs, well beaten
  • 1 1/4 C vegetable oil
  • 1 t vanilla extract
Combine and mix first 7 ingredients. Mix next three ingredients in a separate bowl. Add to flour mixture and mix well. Add carrots and mix. Pour in 2 oiled/floured cake pans. Cook 30 minutes in 350 degree f oven.

Be careful when you remove from pan. They are very moist. Cool well.



Icing

  • 12 oz. cream cheese
  • 12 T unsalted butter
  • 1 t vanilla extract
  • 2 t finely grated peeled fresh ginger or finely chopped crystallized ginger
  • 5-6 C powdered sugar
Whip cream cheese and butter with vanilla. Add ginger and mix well. Slowly add powdered sugar until whipped creamy. Ice cake. (I am the absolute worse cake icer; I think I need to take a class one day.)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

4 comments:

Rosa said...

Just a tad. Definately not one for diets! I hope it disappears fast before I can get a slice!

Anonymous said...

You know, Rosa, I have never made cakes with icing! Ben has been asking me to make it but I have put off doing so. I am going to buy myself a lazy susan one of these days and start experimenting with one. Will let you know how it turns out!

Rosa said...

Suanne: Tell me if you start. I need some insider tips on icing!! Have fun!

Anonymous said...

OMG Rosa.......I just read this about the Carrot cake that you baked for Kelly in honor of Harrison's arrival. I can't tell you how much your carrot cake has been enjoyed by everyone that I know in VA. I have handed down the receipe to many of my friends and I always get the best of compliments. How sweet of you to be thinking of Kell. I know that she wishes you could have boxed that cake up and sent it to her:) It is so pretty and I know that she would enjoy seeing it. I shall have to tell her about your blog site (if that's what you call it). Just thought that I would let you know that I am enjoying your journal immensly and look forward to reading it everyday.
Love,
your Sista in law
Mary Jane

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