Honey and Carrot Cake

Carrot cake seems so much a Zimbabwe food that I have to include my favourite recipe! Great for a snack or with a cup of coffee. 1/2 cup butter or margarine -- softened 1 cup honey 2 eggs 2 cups finely grated carrots 1/2 cup golden raisins (nice but optional) 1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1/4 cup orange juice 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Cream butter in large bowl. Gradually beat in honey until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine carrots, raisins, nuts, if desired, orange juice and vanilla in medium bowl. Combine dry ingredients in separate large bowl. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with carrot mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Pour batter into greased 13 × 9 × 2-inch pan. Bake at 350ºF 35 to 45 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean.

Honey Cinnamon Caramel

This is a good light desert and with sugar hard to find using honey is a plus! 3 eggs -- beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup honey -- divided 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Combine eggs, milk, 1/4 cup honey and vanilla. Beat until mixed but not foamy. Combine remaining 1/4 cup honey and cinnamon in small bowl; mix well. Place 4 (6-ounce) custard cups in 8-inch square baking dish. Spoon 1 tablespoon honey-cinnamon mixture into each custard cup; divide egg mixture into each custard cup. Place baking dish on middle rack of oven; pour boiling water into baking dish around custard cups to 1-inch depth. Bake at 325ºF 30 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold. Loosen edges of individual custards with spatula or knife; invert onto dessert plates. Excellent with whipped cream and sponge fingers!