SUGAR FREE

i really wanted to make Stanley a cake he could enjoy on his first birthday...it's a bit mean if i can't let him indulge, when we all do! so i found this recipe for a sugar free cake using agave instead. such clever stuff...like honey (but little ones aren't really allowed that either) and much better than refined sugar. anyway the recipe went like this:

• 
  
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup agave nectar (or honey)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Juice of a large orange
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2. Cream butter and agave in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a second bowl, combine carrots, raisins, nuts, orange juice and vanilla. Set aside.
5. In a third bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt.
6. Add flour mixture and carrot mixture alternately to butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Transfer batter to prepared baking pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

I iced mine with a traditional cream cheese icing and drew a very silly cat's face on it....

Think it all went down ok though judging by the state of it this morning....Stanley of course was not interested and turned his nose up at the whole thing! Oh well, at least his mama tried!

Will post his birthday pictures soon.