Carrot Cake

This is another recipe from my mom.  She managed restaurants for years and this was one of the recipes that her restaurants included on their dessert menus.  This is one of my kids' favorites and it usually gets requested for at least one of their birthday parties.  Enjoy!

Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Cook Time:  35 minutes or until done

Ingredients:
2 Cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 Cups vegetable or canola oil
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons soda
2 Cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 Cups grated raw carrots
8 ounces cream cheese
1 stick of butter
1 package of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 Cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Sift dry ingredients in mixing bowl.  Add eggs, one at a time and mix well.  Add carrots and mix well.  Bake in a 9x13 greased and floured glass pan for 35 minutes or until done. 

While cake is cooling, mix the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together and stir until mixture is thick, but light.  Add a little milk if necessary.  When cake is cooled, spread icing.