1/3 c. hot water
2 c. finely shredded carrots (about 4 med.)
2 c. flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 c. oil
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts, optional

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 x 9 inch pan. Beat all ingredients together on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, 1 minute. Beat on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes; cool.