Sweet Momma Turns 50! Carrot Cake

This week I turned 50! Wow! What a great reason to throw a big party, and you did!!! What a wonderful surprise, I LOVED IT! Thank you!

I love planning a party. It brings me joy to get people together to celebrate. We have enjoyed some good parties over the

years. Milestones like birthdays, confirmations & graduations have all been opportunities to host a gathering of friends. Remember Emily's American Girl tea party in the Garden Terrace room, Ty's pirate party with moustaches and bandannas, and Dad's 50th b-day at CVON with all of the residents! Don't forget the Halloween party in our garage! But we don't need a crowd or a big event to celebrate. Everyday things like sleepovers, the arrival of fall or good report cards have been a chance for me try to create a party atmosphere.

Whatever the event, nothing says party like a cake! I love cake! I enjoy any chance to bake a cake and pretty much haven't met a cake I don't like. For my party you chose Carrot Cake, what a great choice! That sweet, creamy frosting covering a spicy treasure of goodies. Great with just carrots, some recipes also include nuts, raisins and pineapple. I have several recipes for this yummy favorite, but Uncle Chuck & Auntie Lou made a carrot cake for the two of you that made you fans. So here is the Largent's Carrot Cake recipe. Remember: life is too short, we should have more parties!

Uncle Chuck and Auntie Lou's Carrot Cake

4 beaten eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup oil

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups grated carrots

Beat eggs one at a time. Mix in sugar and oil. Add flour, soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in grated carrots. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan or two 9 inch round pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Cool. Frost with cream cheese frosting and refrigerate before serving.

Mom's tip: Peel and grate the carrots yourself. You may be tempted to purchase the shredded carrots. Don't do it! Your cake will not be as moist and delicious.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter

2 cups sifted powdered confectioner's sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy, use a mixer if you've got one. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the powdered sugar. Don't over do it with the mixing! Store in the refrigerator.

Start planning your next party!