Gingered Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 beaten eggs
• 3 cups finely shredded carrots
• 34 cup cooking oil
• 34 teaspoon ground ginger or 2 teaspoons grated gingerroot
• 2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 12 cup softened butter
• 1 tablespoon orange juice or 1 tablespoon apricot brandy
• 4 12 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 34 cup mixed dried fruit (optional)
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (optional) or 1 cup walnuts (optional)