Liam ist ein Jahr alt!

So I know he turned one year old more than a month ago, but Liam celebrated his big milestone with such class that I just had to share.  Liam and I had a low-key and relaxing recognition of his big day at home together, and then two days later we high-tailed it down to good ole’ Ft. Benning, GA, to see Daddy and have a real celebration with him.  In this military life, we seldom get to be together on birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.  It’s helped us develop a completely new appreciation for quality time – it’s no longer the date that matters, but the chance to celebrate together whenever we can.  We were lucky with Liam’s birthday, being that we could spend time together so close to his turning “ein Jahr alt.”

If you like the look of the cake, here’s my recipe.  It’s a carrot cake suited for Liam’s oh-so-sophisticated palette – and let me tell you, even cake haters will love it.

Ingredients

2 ½ c sliced carrots

2 ¼ c apple juice 

1 ½ c raisins (or any other small dried fruit you want to throw in there)

2 c whole wheat flour

½ c wheat germ

2 T bkg powder

1 T cinnamon
½ c veggie oil

2 eggs

4 egg whites

1 T vanilla

¾ c applesauce (no sugar added)

1 c chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)

Method of Preparation (MOP)

1.      Throw carrots and 1 c of the apple juice together in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5-minute intervals, testing carrots for tenderness periodically.  Once carrots achieve desired tenderness, pour carrots and any remaining juice into food processor and blend until smooth(ish).

2.     Add dried fruit and blend until finely chopped.  Let mixture cool.

3.     Combine flour, wheat germ, bkg powder, and cinnamon in large mixing bowl.  Add oil, eggs, egg whites, vanilla, and 1 ¼ c apple juice.  Beat just until well mixed.  Add carrot puree and applesauce.

4.     Pour batter into lightly greased/floured/sugared 13x9 pan.  Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the batter; press lightly to help nuts nestle into the batter.

5.     Bake in 350F oven for 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center of cake comes out clean.

6.     While this cake is incredibly moist and fabulous on its own, feel free to ruin the uber-healthy nature of the cake with some delicious cream cheese frosting.