It’s such a busy time of year. We begin the hustle and bustle with Thanksgiving and won’t stop for another month.  When things get a little crazy, it might help to just   STOP.

Take a deep breath

Sit down. 

Think of all the things in life for which you are thankful.

Here are my top ten:

  1. Family.  We are so supportive of each other, it’s a great feeling knowing you are never alone.
  2. Husband.  He puts up with so much and has such a gentle, forgiving way.  I couldn’t be more blessed.
  3. Dogs.  I have the prettiest, best behaved German Shepherd ever. I have the cutest, most energetic Border Collie ever. Gosh I love my dogs.
  4. Work.  I’ve been so fortunate from college to the present, always having a good job and being able to work for myself.  The rewards and gains are so much more when you have your own company. Thanks to my dad.
  5. Health.  How much luckier could a person be than one who runs mile after mile with minimal injuries, aches and pains?  One who continually pushes the limits and doesn’t catch the common cold, flu or virus on a frequent basis.  I’m very lucky to be so resilient, strong, healthy and I sincerely hope that good fortune continues.
  6. Hobbies (Baking and cooking).  We all express our creativity through different medium. Mine just so happens to be stuff to eat. Gotta love that!
  7. Fine wine. Self explanatory.
  8. Gourmet food.  Another one that needs no further explanation.
  9. Appreciation for fresh vegetables. Crunchy, earthy, sweet… there isn’t a vegetable I don’t like
  10. Where I live.  In upstate New York, the spring is crisp, cool and fresh.  The summer is warm, only sometimes unbearably hot but always so green and vibrant with cool mornings and warm afternoons.  The colorful fall with rich browns, yellows, and orange hues along quiet running trails.  The air is fresh and clean.  Of course there is winter which can be so pretty when the ground is blanketed in new fallen snow and winter activities can be enjoyed.  

So many more things to be thankful for in this wonderful life.  

Can you share 3 to 5 things you are very thankful for as we go into the holiday season?

Big Carrots in a Delicious Carrot Cake

Not BIG as in BIG cake but BIG as in BIG CARROTS.  I used carrot match stix instead of grated carrot.  Since I’m half rabbit, the bigger pieces of carrot in this Vegan friendly cake was good for me.  If I were to bake this for a party, I would most definitely use grated carrot.

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The sweetened fresh cranberries with the carrots and maple flavor offer a unique twist from the carrot cakes I’m used to.  Be warned! It’s good. It’s REAL good.

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Ingredients for one 9” round cake. *I cut the cake in half to put icing in the middle but the choice is your.

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 over ripe mashed banana
  • 1/3 cup 100% maple syrup
  • 2 TBS canola oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup grated carrot *use carrot match stix if you like but slices of carrot.
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins *optional

Maple Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese *Use 8oz if splitting the cake to spread some in the middle
  • 3 TBS maple syrup
  • 2 TBS non-dairy milk *I didn’t use the milk but thinned with additional syrup

Baking the cake:  Preheat oven to 350 F. Using a food processor, finely chop the cranberries and add the syrup. Stir and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix flour, coconut, baking powder, soda, ginger, cinnamon. Stir to mix thoroughly.

Make a well in the center of the dry mix and add the banana, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla.  Mix only until combined.  Stir in the cranberries and carrots.

Pour into a non-stick 9 inch round pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Allow a knife to come clean when inserted in the middle.  Allow to cool.

Make the icing by mixing the cheese, syrup and milk in a small bowl.  Spread over cake *and inside if you want.  Sprinkle the top with walnuts if desired.

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Not a super sweet cake but delicious by all means. Moist, a little heavy and LOADED with carrots.

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Oh why does carrot cake have to be my favorite?  I’m feeling so weak.

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What’s your favorite dessert this time of year?

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