Golden (Carrot) Cake

You ask What is life? That is the same as asking, 'What is a carrot'. 
A carrot is a carrot and we know nothing more.

- Anton Czechow

Well, not to correct the great one, but we do know something more. Namely, we know that it's a root vegetable, rich in vitamins and particularly good for the eyes. But I'm sure I've mentioned all that before, so let's skip to the interesting part. Now you might have noticed that I'm not really all that big on desserts. Although I do like sweets and suchlike, I'm not really crazy enough about them to justify all that work when I can buy some fabulous desserts ready, such as ice cream.

But carrot cake is different, because it's very rare around here for people to even have heard about it, let alone bake it, and You certainly can't get it in shops. So, once again, the Kitchen Witch is left to her own devices.
I've tried a few recipes, and regardless of their degree of complication, they all had one thing in common : they didn't work. Something always went wrong along the line and I was left with a disgusting, dripping mass of semi-transparent carrotish goo. Unfortunately,  the same happens with this one, only rarer. And it's the simplest one, so I'm sticking with it.

Ingredients

• Carrots - one glass of grated carrot. Everything else should be measured with the same glass.
• Sugar - one glass of sugar, or a little less if You so prefer. I find that one glassful does not make it overly sweet, but less does not ruin it either.
• Flour - one glassful of Your regular white flour.
• Vegetable oil - half a glass. You can use cinnamon oil for better effect.
• Eggs - two
• Cinnamon - one spoonful (large spoon, not a teaspoon)
• Baking soda - one full teaspoon

Preparation

Now comes the good part. All you have to do is mix the ingredients until You get a sticky, orange mass - no grinding, no kneading, nothing. The only actual bit of work You have to do is peel the carrots and grate them, after that You're practically done. Just throw it all into a bowl and mix, then pour into a baking mold of Your choice. Give it an hour in a solid heat, about 200 degrees.

This is especially good if You want to serve a dessert that will still have some reasonable health benefit (for a dessert, of course). Symbolically speaking, carrots have always been associated with wealth, due to their golden sheen. A popular Jewish dish for New Year around here is a special kind of cymes that consists of carrot slices fried in honey to give them the appearance of golden coins. These were believed to bring fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

Speaking of New Years, I hope 2012 is generous for You when it comes to health, happiness, and peace. So blessings for the New Year - those of You that still wait for it, that is - and see You in 2012!