{Carrot, Cranberry, and Walnut} Snacking Cake

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.