Instructions: Grease and baseline two 200mm sandwich tins.

Spread the brazil nuts on a baking sheet and lightly toast on the grid shelf on the floor of the roasting ovenfor 5 to 10 minutes.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy.

Sift the flour baking powder and allspice over the mixture.

Add the eggs orange rind and juice and the ground almonds; beat well.

Stir in the grated carrots and brazil nuts.

Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and level the surfaces.

Bake on the grid shelf on the floor of the roasting ovenwith the cold plain shelf on the second set of runners for 30 to 40 minutes until firm to the touch.

Bake on the grid shelf on the fourth set of runners in the baking ovenfor 35 to 40 minutes until firm to the touch.

Leave in the tins for a few minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool.

For the topping beat the cheese orange rind if using orange juice and icing sugar together in a bowl until smooth.

Use half to sandwich the cakes together. Spread the remainder over the top of the cake swirling it attractively.

For the decoration peel the carrot and pare into long thin ribbons using a swivel vegetable peeler.

dry the carrot ribbons on kitchen paper. Heat a 10mm depth of oil in a frying pan on the boiling plateuntil a piece of carrot added to the hot oil sizzles on the surface.

Fry the carrots in two batches until they shrink and turn golden.

Drain with a slotted spoon and dry on kitchen paper.

Scatter the carrot ribbons over the top of the cake and dust with icing sugar.

Chill until ready to serve.

It is important to thoroughly dry the carrot ribbons before frying to ensure a crisp result. Variation: For a simple finish omit the carrot topping and sprinkle with chopped toasted brazil nuts instead.

For this carrot cake brazil nutsreplace the more familiar walnuts and mild creamy mascarpone provides a delicious smooth frosting. The crowning glory is a rich decoration of fried carrot shavings crisp golden and lightly sugared. You could of course apply a sprinkling of chopped toasted nuts instead.

Makes 8 slices

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