Fallish b'day treat

Happy birthday Stacey!

I knew i wanted to make a special treat for my dear friend's birthday I just wasn't sure what. Of course asked her what her favorite cakes were and when she said a spice even carrot cake I knew what to bake. Grandpa O'Rand's famous Carrot Cake. I say famous because first of all Grandpa Alfred O'Rand was a great cook, and baker and this is a big fav in and out of the family circle. This cake it is to die for, and has even been requested as a seven layer wedding cake. I don't even like carrot cake (my dad spoiled them for me when I was little since it was the only cake he knew how to bake). So anyway here it is, you be the judge:

First Bowl - Wet ingredients

4 Eggs
2 C Sugar
2 c oil (canola is what I use)
2-3 tbsp vanilla
Use mixer at medium speed until well blended

Second Bowl - Dry ingredients:
2 c. flour
1 tsp Salt
3 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder

Third Bowl – Carrots

4-5 c  finely grated carrots  I use an entire 2 lb pkg of carrots)

Directions

Add dry ingredients a little at a time until well mixed.  Mix in carrots.  

Divide equally into 3 oiled and floured cake pans.  Cook at 325 degrees for approximately 40 minutes.  Remove as soon as your toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to cool thoroughly.

Frosting

2 sticks margarine (butter works too)
1 -  8oz pkg cream cheese
1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar
2-3 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 C chopped walnuts (this is classic combo but I have also used pecans)

Directions

After allowing ingredients to soften at room temp., mix margarine, cream cheese and vanilla with a fork.  Add powdered sugar a little at a time and mix with fork until all has been added.  Fold in nuts.  Frost your cake and enjoy!

You may also add about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of nuts into the batter.  Add a lil crunch in the cake, but not too much.

Enjoy!