November 14, 2013

{Carrot, Cranberry, and Walnut} Snacking Cake

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When my grandma was taking meal requests (for when Rebekah was born) I immediately asked for this and bless her, she made me an entire 9x13 pan. And I ate it all. By myself. I live with some challenged people, obviously, because they don't like this.


It's called Snacking Cake, but to me, that does NOT do it justice.  Look at everything in it!  Surely, there is a better name. But snacking cake it was, snacking cake it will remain. I just added a little to the beginning to help everyone know how wonderful this is ... since you need to know. 
 

Reasons why you'll like this:

It's chock full of texture! (cranberries, raisins, and walnuts)!  
Its got the bright and fresh addition of orange juice. 
It's moist, thanks to the shredded carrots and apples. 
It's dense, my favorite texture, but not dry (see above) and sustaining since there is two cups of quick oats. 
In a nutshell, it tastes incredible but is still really healthy!


Should I tackle this subject of healthy?  I think I will ... Prep for my persuasive essay on dieting. 

In this season where gluttony can be justified, there is a big push for healthy options.  It is important to take care of our bodies, no question, but I feel this idea of healthy can be all consuming.  It gets in our heads.  We become obsessed with making the healthiest decisions all the time and any slip up leads to guilt and disappointment.  Also, we become "better" when we are healthy. But I think there is a difference between feeling better physically and feeling better about ourselves mentally. Like, I feel good about myself when I buckle down and run in 40 degree weather.  My body just feels better. However, I don't feel better about myself compared to other people because I ran.  I don't think it is bad to run or to stay in shape, I do think it is bad when it becomes something a person has to do to feel good about themselves.  

More often than not, I see the idea of healthy being chosen not because a person wants to be healthy, but because they want to be skinny. 

They diet not so that they can enjoy their grand kids or lower their blood pressure, but because they want to fit in with the runway models. Granted, I'm not exposed to the older generation, so healthy is different based in your age. But the prevalent feeling is "I'm not pretty enough, let's lose some weight."  

That's not healthy!  That's skinny - and there is a big difference.  That's my biggest deal with dieting; it's goal is usually skinny, not healthy. 

This season is full of large meals and lots of food. There are all sorts of "stay skinny" plans and tips, but to me, that takes the joy out of Thanksgiving. Enjoy your pie, but enjoy your veggies and snacking cake, too. Moderation is great, but a good mindset is best.  


Snacking Cake
Recipe Source: Recipe from my Grandma
Yield: 16-24 servings
 
2 cups flour 
2 cups quick oats 
1-1/2 cups sugar 
2-3/4 teaspoon baking powder 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 
1/8 teaspoon salt 
3 eggs 
1 cup orange juice 
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted *
2 medium carrots, shredded 
2 medium apples, peeled and shredded 
1 cup each; dried cranberries, raisins, and walnuts 

Combine first six ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice, and coconut oil together. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until combined. Fold in carrots, apples, cranberries, raisins and walnuts. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. 

Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

* Do not worry about there being any coconut flavor!  Coconut oil is just a healthier oil option that really doesn't taste like coconut. Also, I know some readers do not have coconut oil, so you can sub vegetable oil if desired. 

38 comments:

  1. Why can't all teenagers be as wise as you? Too many young women blur the line between skinny and healthy. We all need fat and carbs and even a little sugar to survive! These look divine!

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    1. Aw thanks Davida:) You're absolutely right. They're delicious!

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  2. Moderation is key, especially at this time of year! That is so nice of your grandmother to help out and cook meals for the family- this snack cake looks delish!

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  3. I'm a big fan of this! Never would have thought of adding coconut and carrot along with the cranberries, but it makes total sense. And it's probably called snacking bread, because you end up snacking on it ALL day, haha :) Or at least, I would.

    Great recipe!

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    1. Haha, how did you know?! Thanks for commenting!

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  4. Yes, enjoy food...in moderation. ;)
    This bread looks so yummy and moist! I love that it's heatly. :)
    Tina at www.tinaschic.com

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    1. Yummy, moist, healthy -> yep, it's pretty awesome!

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  5. You have a fantastic Grandma, so nice! These definitely make me want to snack on them. :)

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    1. Yes, I found mysel making new snack times throughout the day. :) Thanks Pamela!

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  6. This looks great!! And you are right... it looks like so much more than an "snacking cake" :)

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    1. Made up recipes are so much fun to name ... old recipes, you just can't change. *sigh* :)

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  7. Wow this sounds like a seriously wholesome snacking cake! I love all the mix ins and how dense it is. And your message about moderation is a great one!

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    1. Thanks Erika! Dense and/or moist are probably my favorite textures. This has it all!

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  8. Lucky you that no one else likes it - more for you! This looks delicious!!

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    1. I know, right? :) There are perks to not being picky. Thanks Cate!

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  9. This looks amazing, and all the flavors sound so good together!! Definitely need to try this one.

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    1. Thanks Rachel! I hope you try it, it is a winner!

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  10. So let me get this straight: your mom had a baby, and as a result, you got an entire 9x13 cake to eat by yourself? That's a good deal! I should try that sometime. Does your grandma take requests from strangers? :) Love this hearty and healthy cake!

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    1. Haha, well, when you put it that way ... yeah, I got it pretty good, didn't I? *sheepish grin* I think she would take requests from super nice strangers like you:) Thanks Elizabeth!

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  11. What? Your grandma is the best!! This cake is hearty and I love all the great things in it. Snacking cake is appropriate because I will be eating this all day.

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    1. It is definitely hearty and a feel good cake. Thanks Zainab!

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  12. I loved this posts, you're so right! Skinny is not healthy, and that's an obssesion which could leat to terribel things :((
    This snack cake looks lovely to me! I love the texture and the flavor combo sounds yummy! x

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  13. Dear Mary Frances, This is a wonderfully rich and full of flavor cake. I think it would make a delicious dessert for Thanksgiving. Your grandma is a delicious cook.

    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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  14. Lucky than no one else likes this snacking cake, more for you! I would have shared this cake with you, looks great and I love all the ingredients and the texture.

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    1. I would've gladly given you several pieces ... I will admit, I was ready for a new dessert by the end! ;) Thanks!

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  15. I like the way you think! And I love this "snacking" cake! It has a lot of great flavors and things going on! I can't believe you're the only one who likes it! Lucky you. ;-)

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    1. Thanks Reeni! Yes, there are some perks to living with picky people!

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  16. This sounds delicious! I can see why you asked Grandma for it!

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  17. How sweet of your grandmother!! :) And I'm amazed none of your family wanted any of this dessert. Seriously, it looks awesome!!

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    1. She is a sweetie:) I'm amazed too, but it's confirmed my family is too picky for their own good! Thanks Ms. Jocelyn!

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  18. I have to say, I think it is a very pretty looking cake! This would be delicious in the morning. I have to admit I love having something sweet in the morning for breakfast which isn't very good of me to say. I can't believe your family doesn't like it either...just by the looks of it I know I would love it! :)

    Toodles,
    Tammy<3

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    1. I thought it was really pretty, too. An excellent photography subject! Oh, I love sweet things for breakfast, too! I would've loved to share this with you over a cup of coffee!

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  19. Exactly my point! Starving is going to get you nowhere! That's just a ridiculous idea to shun certain food groups thinking its healthy 'cause its NOT! You are just sooooo right! :) And this snacking cake! Its delicious, healthy and actually pretty apt for the holiday season ! Love ITTTT!!!! :)

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    1. Thank you! This is a sweet comment Samina - thanks!

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