Carrot and Ginger Cake

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter 2 (8 by 2-inch) round cake pans. Dust with flour, and tap out any excess. Set aside. Spread pecans in a single layer on an ungreased baking pan, and toast in oven until lightly golden, about 7 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand until completely cool. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F. Finely chop pecans and set aside. Using the smallest holes (less than 1/4-inch inch in diameter) of a box grater, grate carrots, yielding 2 1/2 cups. Place carrots, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, sugar, and ginger in a large bowl; mix until well combined. Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Using a rubber spatula, fold the flour mixture into the carrot mixture until combined. Fold in the butter and toasted pecans. Divide batter between the 2 cake pans, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove pans from oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool, about 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack; let stand until completely cool. Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes so surfaces are level. Slice each layer in half crosswise. Place a layer on a cake stand or cardboard round, and spread 3/4 cup frosting over top. Place a second cake layer on top, and spread with another 3/4 cup frosting. Repeat with third layer and another 3/4 cup frosting. Place last cake layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of assembled cake. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill 3 to 4 hours. If using the candied carrot strips, set a wire rack over a baking pan. Using fingers, lift 1 candied carrot strip from the sugar syrup, holding it over the container. With the thumb and forefinger of second hand, gently squeeze the carrot strip and slide fingers along its length, removing as much excess syrup as possible; lay the carrot strip on the wire rack. Repeat with remaining carrot strips. Gently place tapered end of drained carrot strip in center of cake, and gently press it down the side; place a second strip next to it. Continue applying strips around entire cake every 2-inches. Form 2 or 3 strips into a decorative bow, and place on top. Cut cake, and serve.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Place butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese, and beat until well-combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add sugar, orange zest, ginger, and salt, and beat for 5 minutes. Yield: enough for 1 (8-inch) layer cake

Candied Carrot Strips:

1. Using a mandoline, slice carrots lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick strips, and set aside. In a medium stockpot combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add carrots reduce to a simmer and cook until translucent, about 10 to 12 minutes. Will keep refrigerated in syrup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Yield: enough for 1 (8-inch) layer cake