March 1, 2011

spring dreams and carrot cake

It's March!

Even though Spring usually doesn't even consider making a real appearance here in March, the calendar makes its arrival official and that's all I need to start thinking springy thoughts.

I have snow on the ground and more on its way, but still I dream of green grass, pink blossoms and temperatures that don't take your breath away.

My seed catalogs get a second glance....and then a third and fourth. I can safely let my mind wander down the garden path and those wandering thoughts have the hopeful feel of possibilities. (As opposed to the somewhat dramatic and desperate January and February garden thoughts wherein I am absolutely convinced that I may very well die from an overdose of gray and brown long before sunshine salvation arrives.)

The plants we overwintered are coming out of hunker down mode.


We'll be starting the petunia cuttings later this week and then it's game on in the greenhouse.

I made the best springy carrot cake this weekend when my company was here, and if you're needing your own dose of cream cheese laden springtime goodness, you might want to give this cake a try.



Carrot Cake

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups oil - I substituted 1 cup applesauce for 1 cup of the oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots

Combine sugar, oil, (and applesauce if you choose to substitute), and eggs. Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon and salt. Add to
sugar/egg mixture. Mix well and fold in carrots and pecans.

Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 300* for one hour.

Cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 - 8 oz package softened cream cheese
1/4 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Cream the cream cheese and butter, then mix in the vanilla and powdered sugar. Spread on the cooled cake and lick the beaters and the bowl clean.

This, my friends, is a bit of heaven in a 9x13.

So, how about you. Are there any signs of spring in your corner of the world? Are you still in the depressed doldrums of winter, or are your thoughts turning toward the equinox?

I need to know.

52 comments:

  1. I so needed this...gonna make that cake this minute!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. We usually have this at Easter, but you are making me want it right this very minute! It's hard to wait on spring...maybe this will get me through!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wish I had ANYTHING green around, but unfortunately it is buried in 3 1/2 FEET of SNOW! Your pink petunia and green leaves are eye candy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. No signs of spring just yet but the sun is shining a little brighter and a little longer each day! A couple more weeks and we should see some sprouts! I just looked at pics in my photo files from last March so I know it's possible!

    That cal
    Ke looks wonderful but I am still dealing with Samoas in the house--I know I can't handle both!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Our first daffodil opened her springtime beauty for us yesterday. We're in Richmond, VA where our high temp yesterday was - you're gonna shoot me - 80F. Today we're back to normal, but you have gotta believe I was in the yard snapping pics of that beauty, along with Mr. Bunny who normally stands guard at the front steps. The day was a total teaser but a promise of good things to come. As usual, I love your pics.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That cake looks delicious! And it's sunny and almost warm here today, so yes, I have spring on the brain!

    Kat :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, my gardens are perking right up! Brings me cheer! That cake looks and sounds delectable. Lucky guests you had!
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  8. I, like you, am so ready for spring. Yesterday the temperature jumped up to 85 in South Carolina, but today it is cold and breezy. I bought seeds yesterday, and my husband is filling our raised beds with soil today. Can't wait to dig in that soil!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have been craving carrot cake lately. I'll be making this cake this weekend! Thanks!

    Spring has been peaking its head out here in Virginia, it was 76 here yesterday, but back down to 50 today, which I can handle. At least the sun is shining. Only if I could spend it outside and not stuck here in this cubicle all day - at least I have a window to look out of.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yumm. Carrot Cake. I haven't had that in a while.

    ReplyDelete
  11. ooh! Can I come play in the greenhouse with my camera and then stop by for a piece of that yummy looking cake? Please?

    ReplyDelete
  12. The carrot cake looks divine!! I actually saw crocuses just making their way out of the soil and it almost brought me to tears (of joy) :) Hurry Spring!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. The carrot cake sounds wonderful!! I love all your photos...so pretty and vibrant!! Feels like a bit of spring!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. 10" of snow in the last 24 hours. I think I need some cake. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Carrot cake is the best. I can't wait for all the colorful blooms to start showing themselves around here also. And just a touch more warmth. Just a touch, not much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Teresa, I'm not a fan of carrot cake, but I think I could make an exception for yours, it looks just beautiful. Gee I love your photos, they are just lovely, a real treat for the blogging eye :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Curse that cream cheese.... I'm still trying to sweat that stuff out from the Christmas peanut butter pie! And now here you come with your carroty goodness on parade. I'm not sure if you're aware but I can't NOT make these recipes you put up here. Oh well, I still like you, even in spite of your cream cheeses peddlin' ways! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. We've had a bit of snow this week. Nothing to write home about; but enough to make one feel that winter will never be over. However, I think my spirits could be lifted substantially by a slice (or 4) of that carrot cake and a nice cup of English tea!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh, I am soo headed for the equinox! And, carrot cake and flowers...two of my favorite things!! This was a very nice visit. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm in Minnesota and desperately looking forward to spring -- we always rejoice when it lands on a weekend. I need some of that cake, too.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Looking forward to a little spring myself... and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is just the way to welcome it in!

    ~Chris

    ReplyDelete
  22. We've had a few signs of spring!! Makes me so very happy!!!! Your cake looks fantastic! :):)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ah spring! I hoping it comes early here, but like you were still buried in snow and icy. That hasn't stop my garden planning which seems to go bigger with each passing day.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Well my waistline certainly doesn't need carrot cake, but I love it so. It's been beautiful and warm down here in Charleston. Was a bit cool today in the high 60s, but all in all, spring is showing itself. The pear trees have blossomed, the camellia japonicas are finishing their showy selves and before long we'll see the trees budding out with the new green. I love Spring too!

    ReplyDelete
  25. The sun poped out and the chickens came out to play, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Our temperatures have been up and down lately in Pa. We've had a few "spring teaser" days that have tricked my bulbs into peaking through. They say when temperatures start fluctuating like this, spring is not far away. Yay! Can't wait! Have lots of outdoor work to do and can't wait to get started!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh baby am I ever ready. 'Cept for the stinkin' MUD. But I'll focus on the bulbs peekin up and might even try puttin' out some pansies soon.... Last year my hens ate 'em before I'd even planted them. sigh. Will savor your pretty pics and cake - as good as sunshine for my soul - THANKS!
    hugs,
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  28. Our green weeds are looking quite healthy. Temps are a roller coaster in Kansas. How about some pictures of your weeds? Or are they covered in snow? Someday maybe you could/would share how you post process your lovely, lovely photos. They are always so bright and clear.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Here in Nova Scotia Canada, recent rain has washed away some of the ice and snow from the flower bed, and I think I saw green there this morning as I was backing out of my driveway! Further investigation is needed. But regardless, spring is in my heart!

    ReplyDelete
  31. The carrot cake looks wonderful as do the pretty pink petunias amongst the greenery! Aaah breaths of fresh air, those! Can.Not.Wait.For.The.Flowers!! BTW-love, love, love your greenhouse!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Indeed spring cometh...the signs of spring around our house include lilacs starting to bud, a hint of green around my shasta daisies, and of course as all things hatch in the spring, our baby "bird" is due in about three weeks...the ultimate sign of spring!

    ReplyDelete
  33. A piece of that cake would be a sign of spring for me! :) It's still cold in Chicago...today's high was 29. Come on warmer weather!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Girlie, I am SO
    on that carrot cake ~
    looks wonderful!! Our
    high here today was
    16....Spring? Huh?
    Love that your petunias
    are GAME ON!!
    xx Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  35. Spring? Here in Australia (I'm in Far North Queensland), we have summer, and we get about 4-5 days of winter a year. It gets so cold here in winter, probably down to about... ooh, 12degrees celsius in the middle of the night in the dead of winter :P and still hits around 24 during the day.
    Right now we're just sneaking into "autumn" so the days aren't quite as bakingly hot, but still up over the 30deg Celsius.
    I don't know how you can function in the colder climates, though I guess having gorgeous flowers like that is a pretty good incentive!
    Looks like delicious carrot cake though! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Give me a break :) I love it! Your blog is quickly becoming my favorite! You love your family, flowers, photography(I am rookie!) and weather!!! :) OH, and FOOD :) not to mention what appears to be a vintage tablecloth above :) All tied together with some tongue in cheek humour! This all goes well with a cup of coffee :) Thanks and keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I didn't even know that I liked carrot cake until I accidentally ate some a few months ago. Also, can't I make the argument that it's healthy? Because cream cheese frosting is my reason for living.

    ReplyDelete
  38. My favorite cake!!!!! YUM! Just might have to go in the kitchen now & start looking for ingredients. Thanks, btw I love your blog. The most beautiful photos ever. Thanks for sharing :D

    ReplyDelete
  39. We're in the midst of Bradford pear blooming here in ATL-- it's been a lovely pre-spring week but it won't last. :)
    Thanks for yet another fabulous recipe to try!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Everything is still pretty brown here in Colorado...We are expecting snow tonight.
    I am so ready for Spring.If only Mother Nature
    would take requests....or bribes (I am sure she would love a piece of that cake !).
    Hugs,
    Kammy

    ReplyDelete
  41. So ready for Spring. And the cake looks wonderful. Definitely need to try this recipe!
    ~Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm craving spring sooo badly. I'm in northern IL and it's still cold with clumps of snow on the ground. I THINK I see some green shoots of "something" (daffodils?) coming out of the ground next door...unless it's weeds! lol Your carrot cake looks delicious. I'm printing out the recipe and hope to make it this weekend. It's my hubby's fave!

    ReplyDelete
  43. My Heart is singing!!!
    Spring is just around the corner but more than that, your carrot cake is in my oven!!!!!!!
    I'm sharing it with my family tonight, then tomorrow with my BFF Sandy as we quilt!!!
    Thank you for putting a "spring in my step" with your wonderful, inspiring blog!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. What a yummy looking cake! I am curious about the petunias. Are you snipping and rooting them? Are your superpetunias grown this way or do you buy them in 4' pots. Just wondering...

    ReplyDelete
  45. Do you know how quickly I had to scroll past that cake!? law. It's all good. Friday I took a six mile walk with a light jacket and Alanis Morrisette whilst warm breezes caressed me. Yesterday it snowed. Amen.

    ReplyDelete
  46. My Momma makes a yummy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting too, but only for Easter now I can't wait till Easter ;) mmmmm
    Your pics are beautiful, happy, yummy and calming... :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. That is such a lovely cake. It is hard not to like a carrot cake and it is downright impossible when it is topped with cream cheese. I'm new to your blog and have just spent some time browsing through your earlier entries. I'm so glad I did. I really like the food and recipes you feature for your readers. I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  48. I saw a Robin yesterday, and while it's not true about them "returning" here in Oregon, it does make my mind begin to wander into Spring. My blueberry bushes have buds, my bees are waking up; spring is afoot :D

    ReplyDelete
  49. Carrot cake is our absolute favorite! You recipe looks wonderful, I'll have to try it. As for those gorgeous petunias....I'm jealous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Your carrot cake is all gone...insert sad face here.
    We all enjoyed it, especially my son who said, and I quote "Best Ever Mom"!!!
    I put a little lemon zest and lemon juice into the icing!
    More recipes PLEASE!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I have to tell you I made this cake on Sunday and I did it cuz I had a block of cream cheese to use up and I know my hubby loves Carrot Cake. Well let me tell you not only did he LOVE it but even I thought it was FABULOUS! And I don't even like carrot cake. This is a keeper fo' sure! Thanks for a great and simple recipe.

    ReplyDelete