Name: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting
Yield: Makes one 8-inch layer cake or 24 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1/3 cup dried shredded organic unsweetened coconut; About 1 pound organic farm-fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch Lengths (3 cups); 1 cup chopped organic pineapple; 1 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour; 1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 1/4 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon; Pinch of freshly grated organic nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark-brown sugar; 3/4 cup organic canola oil; 1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract; 3 organic eggs; Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting; 3/4 cup chopped toasted organic walnuts; 1/2 cup organic golden raisins, plumped in warm water for 20 minutes and drained; 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh organic ginger

Image may contain Food Dessert Confectionery Sweets Cake Icing Creme Cream Cutlery and Fork

photo by Noah Sheldon

My son's teachers beg me to make this cake for his snack day at school. It isn't too sweet, and it has a moist, dense texture from the carrots and pineapple. It's also one of my most popular cakes at weddings and parties. When I make it at home, I throw more things into the batter—for example, a handful of pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans if I have them lying around. The beauty of this recipe is that you can increase the spices or omit the nuts, and it will still taste great.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.