THE PIONEER WOMAN CARROT CAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat oven to 350°. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the pans with parchment and grease the parchment. Dust the pans with flour.  Whisk the granulated sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Then, add the carrots and mix well. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pans on a rack, then run a butter knife around the edges of the pans and remove the cakes to the rack to cool completely. Remove the parchment.  For the frosting: In large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until fluffy. Put one cake layer on a platter and spread with frosting, then top with the other layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Top the cake with the pecans.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Cut the carrots in quarters lengthwise, then into 2 to 3-inch pieces. Spread them out onto two sheet pans. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, tossing them once or twice, until the carrots are tender and brown along the edges. (You may roast them at 450 if you'd like a little room to work with.)To a jar add 1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, herbs, and salt and pepper. Shake to emulsify.Place the carrots into a dish or platter. Pour over the vinaigrette and serve.Will keep for two days in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature or reheat.