Bring a plate....

I love carrot cake. I remember doing an internet search for carrot cake recipes couple of years ago, and the hits providing recipes were endless. The end results varied hugely too.

This recipe is the best I've tried and comes courtesy of my friend Karyn. I made it today to take to our neighbours' party as my 'plate' offering. For those not familiar with Kiwi-speak, being asked to 'bring a plate' to a party or event means bring a plate of food. Many a immigrant such as myself has been caught out with that phrase - only to turn up to someone's house with a set of crockery!

Karyn’s Carrot Cake

3 eggs
¾ Cup oil
2 Cups raw or brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
3 cups (350 grams) grated carrot
2 cups wholemeal flour
1 cup coconut
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
¾ cup apple juice

Put eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and salt in a large bowl. Beat to mix thoroughly, then fold in the grated carrots.

Toss all the dry ingredients together. Tip them on top of the wet mixture and fold in carefully, adding the apple juice while you mix. If the mixture seems too wet, do not add the last 2-3 Tbsp apple juice.

Turn the mix into a large square or rectangular paper lined tin, and bake at 180°C for 45 – 60 mins or until a skewer comes out clean.

Ice with double the recipe of cream cheese icing.

Cream cheese icing

2 Tbsp cream cheese
1 Tbsp butter
½ tsp vanila
1 ½ cups sifted icing sugar

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a medium to large bowl. Microwave on high (100%) power for 20 seconds or until the butter is soft enough to cream. Add icing sugar.

Mix until smooth and creamy. Add a little milk or icing sugar if icing is too thick or thin. Spread on cake.