So I'm finally starting a food blog. I've been contemplating it for months, and have finally decided to do it with a little...okay maybe a lot... of persuasion from my husband, Andrew. Andrew and I have been living in Massachusetts for about 3 years, and my love of cooking has blossomed here. Cooking and baking have grown into something I truly enjoy and have a passion for. I love trying new food, and I love that my husband encourages my habit even when my experiments don't turn out well!

So here's the story behind my first posted recipe!

This is my mom's amazing carrot cake even though the picture isn't that great. I'm not usually one for carrot cake, but this recipe is so good. My husband doesn't like carrot cake, either, and he likes this one. This is basic and yummy! Many people add fruit and nuts to their cakes, but I don't care for either.

The first time I attempted to make this was back in college, and I made the cake for a birthday dinner for my mom and grandparents (we usually celebrated their birthdays together since the dates were so close to one another). I made this as a sheet cake, and was so proud of myself. However, when I took the cake to my grandmother's and started to cut into it, I realized that I hadn't baked the cake long enough. The center was undercooked and completely inedible. I was so embarrassed, but my family was gracious and ate around the edges anyway!
Since then, I have tried to redeem that cooking disaster. This cake was thankfully cooked all the way through and made for Easter when we had our friends over for Easter dinner.



Carrot cake:

4 eggs
1 1/4 c. oil
2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. grated carrots (about 5 large)

Beat eggs; add oil, sugar, and other dry ingredients. Pour in two 9" cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes.


Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 stick margarine
1 8 oz. cream cheese (can use 1/3 reduced fat)
2 tsp. vanilla
powdered sugar to taste

Cream margarine, cream cheese and vanilla together. Mix in powdered sugar to taste.