Tools for Classic and Updated Carrot Cakes

To make the candied carrot strips for Jehangir Mehta's Spiced Carrot Cakes, our gadget of choice is a hand-held julienne peeler. In one swoop, it shreds carrots, zucchini, and other fruits and vegetables into thin, delicate ribbons. It’s quicker than a knife, and unlike a mandoline, which can also make julienne cuts, it fits neatly into the dishwasher. We recommend the Zyliss julienne peeler, which is available at Kitchenstoreon10th.com for $6.95.

These individual carrot cakes are baked in 2-1/2-inch baba au rhum molds, which are available for $4.99 apiece at Fante's.

If you're making Abby Dodge's Classic Carrot Cake, a revolving cake stand comes in handy. We recommend the revolving cake stand by Ateco, available for $19.95 from Cooking.com.