Read 'Til You Drop

For several years, I worked with a local writers group, which gained the name the Writers Group From Hell. (By the time that I joined the group, it was no longer hellish, but it apparently had been in the past.) I no longer attend the group's monthly meetings, but I do socialize with them, particularly when it comes to the annual holiday party and white elephant gift exchange.

This year's party was particularly enjoyable - I got a chance to catch up with several friends I hadn't seen in far too long. I also got to bake a carrot cake that perfumed the entire house for the morning and my car for the ride to the party. The cake was simple, good, and lowfat (not what you expect in a carrot cake!) Here's the recipe:

1 box spice cake mix
1 tsp. cinnamon (optional - gives the cake more kick)
1 tsp. ginger (optional - gives the cake more kick)
1 can crushed pineapple (the small can, about the size of a can of tuna)
1 can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, the small can, about the size of a can of Campbell's soup)
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups grated carrot

Mix all ingredients. Pour into a greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake at 325 for one hour. After cooled, sift one Tablespoon powdered sugar over cake.

Moist, yummy, and four points for one twelfth of the cake (if you're counting Weight Watchers points)

(And well received by the writers group!)