Name: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting
Yield: Makes one 8-inch layer cake or 24 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1/3 cup dried shredded organic unsweetened coconut; About 1 pound organic farm-fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch Lengths (3 cups); 1 cup chopped organic pineapple; 1 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour; 1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 1/4 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon; Pinch of freshly grated organic nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark-brown sugar; 3/4 cup organic canola oil; 1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract; 3 organic eggs; Cream Cheese-Lemon Zest Frosting; 3/4 cup chopped toasted organic walnuts; 1/2 cup organic golden raisins, plumped in warm water for 20 minutes and drained; 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh organic ginger

Image may contain Food Dessert Confectionery Sweets Cake Icing Creme Cream Cutlery and Fork

photo by Noah Sheldon

My son's teachers beg me to make this cake for his snack day at school. It isn't too sweet, and it has a moist, dense texture from the carrots and pineapple. It's also one of my most popular cakes at weddings and parties. When I make it at home, I throw more things into the batter—for example, a handful of pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans if I have them lying around. The beauty of this recipe is that you can increase the spices or omit the nuts, and it will still taste great.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.