Note:
Rum extract works just fine if you don't have rum on hand. (We can't all be pirates.)
To save time, I just buy 2 8-oz. bags of matchstick carrots in the produce section. You could also use 1 10-oz. bag of shredded carrots. (You get more carrot density, as it were, in the bag if shredded, that's why only one.) The matchstick carrots are nice because they don't bake away to nothing; you can see more little flecks of carrot. HOWEVER, when you stir in the matchstick carrots, at first it's going to seem like way too much carrots, but fear not, they will eventually mix in, and your batter will be VERY thick.
Also, for the frosting, I have found that the following works just as well and it's not quite so sweet:
1 8 oz. package softened cream cheese (low-fat is fine, the fat free doesn't work, it gets too runny)
6 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla, almond or rum extract (I like almond the best myself)
If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk, but just a tiny amount at a time, like by the spoonful.
I actually prefer it with 1/2 applesauce.
