Birthday Blues

October 26, 2010

Not the sad, I'm getting old Birthday Blues, the we-wear-matching-outfits-and-only-notice-when-we-see-photos Birthday Blues.

We celebrated Michael's birthday on Sunday night with a little surprise and a big cake! And apparently matching outfits...



But more importantly, the cake. Three layers of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Moist and yummy. I always use this recipe from the Food Network and it works especially well if you have fresh orange juice. And if you follow the directions. I don't always, but man, it works a lot better if you do it the way those experts say!

* 2 eggs
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 1/2 cups grated carrot, about 3-4 carrots
* 2 tablespoons orange juice
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
* 1 1/4 cup flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 inch square baking pan.

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until creamy. Stir in the vegetable oil until well combined. Add the grated carrots, orange juice and walnuts and mix well. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir until just combined. Pour into prepared baking pan and bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow cake to cool and then frost.

For my friends in Dublin and the surrounding area, you'll soon be able to order this whole cake (and all my other goodies) for your own special occasions. Just stay tuned for the opening of my online store!

After the weekend of celebrating, there was only one slice left, so Michael blew out one more candle last night on the actual birthday. Right before heading out to my new studio to continue PAINTING! Just a few walls left and we'll move the table in, put up the shelves and I'll be in business! Can't wait!