Me: "What kind of cake do you want me to make for your birthday?
My mom: "The carrot cake you made last year."
Me: "I love that cake, but how about something different this year? Maybe chocolate?"
My mom: "Mmmm, no, the carrot."
My mom turned 7-0 this past week -- so carrot cake it was! And not only is it a beautiful birthday cake, it's also a perfect treat to leave the Easter bunny -- and if you don't celebrate Easter, a welcoming-of-Spring cake. Because, hey, what better way to celebrate a season that symbolizes regeneration and rebirth than with a healthy and delicious cake that nourishes the body and mind ?
Easy way to decorate the cake -- use walnuts and coconut. If you want to get fancy and a little more "springy" use edible flowers and/or lavender.
RECIPE
Ingredients:
cake
2 cups carrots, shredded (beta carotene and antioxidant)
2 cups raw walnuts (protein, omega-3, iron)
2 cups dates (iron, sweet source, fruit)
1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ginger (fresh or dried)
frosting
1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight or 2-4 hours if in a rush (high mineral content)
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/4 cup agave
1/2 cup coconut oil
Directions:
cake
1. Shred the carrots (about 4). set aside.
2. Add walnuts to food processor with "s" blade.
3. Add dates to walnut mixture until blended.
4. Add coconut and spices. Blend until thick and smooth in texture.
5. Use spatula to scape out mixture into a pan lined with parchment and place in freezer for an hour (or overnight) while preparing frosting. Use one pan for thicker cake or two smaller for layered cake.
frosting
1. Soak the cashews overnight and rinse.
2. Add cashews and other frosting ingredients to food processor with "s" blade.
2. Mix until creamy.
Take cake out of the freezer and place on a serving plate, frost, refreeze for an hour or more. Thaw slightly before serving.
You can also make this a layer cake -- I went for a thicker cake and frosting layer due to time. Or cut the recipe in half for a smaller cake -- or make cupcakes -- the recipe is very flexible.
And ... there wasn't a crumb left on any of the plates:) I asked everyone write on chalk placemats what they love about my mom. This was from my dad: "I love Jeanette because she is so good." He said, "I'm not very good at this" -- "this" meaning writing emotions, but I thought it was just the sweetest comment ever. Because she is SO good.
xxoo - christine