Passion Fruit (Lilikoi) Melting Moments

We can all use a moment to simply sit and allow the stresses of life to melt away, can't we?  A bit of pure bliss to re-balance our minds and bring a moment of zen... Passion Fruit Melting Moments can do just that.

While Liv Life recipes usually consist of plant based ingredients, this is one where I bring out the good, real butter.  Had I never tasted rich, real butter in my prior baking days, my cube of Earth Balance would have worked just fine (and to keep these dairy free I use Earth Balance when my lactose intolerant son in home).  But for those who crave a rich, buttery taste, this is the recipe to bring out the good stuff.

With a light texture that does indeed melt in your mouth, these little moments become irresistible.  Add the juice of a passion fruit (Lilikoi in the Hawaiian Islands) and they take on an ethereal quality, simply melting all all your troubles away as they in turn melt your mouth.

Introduced to Melting Moments from a friend who bought me a copy of the gorgeous Australian magazine "Delicious", these cookies have been a regular in our kitchen for years.  And when passion fruit is in season, the passion fruit version is a must.

Found at your local farmer's market (or grown in your own back yard!), passion fruits are somewhat funny looking, purplish orbs that seem so light it's hard to believe they have anything inside.  Perfectly ripe when a bit wrinkled on the outside, cutting open a passion fruit reveals juice and seeds - the seeds seeming to be in little "pouches" almost like pomegranates, only bigger.

Called natures first "Sweet Tart", I find passion fruit a bit too tart to eat out of hand (though some people do - and different types are sweeter or tarter than others), but I love the intense tropical flavors when mixed into something like a smoothie, or buttercream as in in these Melting Moments.

Easy to put together with just a few ingredients (note it's the cornstarch not the butter that actually brings the magical melting textures), Melting Moments are an ideal kitchen project with kids, or something that can come together fairly quickly when planning a picnic, potluck or tea.

So join me for a quick trip to a moment of balance, won't you?  Sweet, rich and brightly flavored Melting Moments await.  Namaste my friends.

Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Holiday Biscotti

Who doesn't love crunchy biscotti alongside a cup of afternoon coffee?  Drizzle that biscotti with dark chocolate and it becomes irresistible.  But for the holidays?  Dip that chocolate drizzle into crushed candy cane and we have pure peppermint perfection.

Inspired by Liv's girlfriend, Piper, who made the peppermint suggestion last year, I'm only sorry I waited an entire year to make these beauties.

But not before finishing our holiday season with these chocolate dipped biscotti sprinkled with festive crushed candy cane.  Twice baked for a perfect bite, biscotti works as an lovely afternoon treat and just as well as in the morning alongside a cup of steaming hot cocoa.  And... I'm thinking I know a certain world traveler who would love a few of these cookies on a plate by the fireplace as a midnight snack. :)

Triple Orange Holiday Biscotti

Our lights are up and twinkling, the tree is decorated, shopping mostly done and presents wrapped.  But somehow this year I feel like I'm simply going through the motions.  My heart just isn't into the season, and while I have girlfriends pledging to induce holiday spirit, so far I'm not feeling it.

Hence, the appropriate action seems to bake.  Somehow mixing together flour and sugar always puts me into a better frame of mind, but add a little Grand Marnier and we have something special, don't we?

Crunchy yet not crisp, these Triple Orange Biscotti have been a tradition on my holiday platters since the recipe release in 2003.  Featured in Fine Cooking, Susan Betz's recipe has been made close to 30 times in my kitchen with yearly requests from neighbors and friends.

A lovely hostess gift or entry into a cookie exchange, the biscotti also works wonders alongside an afternoon cup of coffee.

Adaptable and forgiving, I've "healthified" the cookies on occasion by reducing the oil and adding whole wheat or spelt flours, but for the holidays I usually stick to the original recipe and these bright biscotti induce smiles with every bite.

The recipe comments the dough will be sticky... and be aware they really mean it.  Sticky... very, very sticky - the dough almost seems slack, as if it will puddle off of the cookie sheet.  But no worries, it won't.

Attitude adjustment?  I think we have success.

Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Spice Cookies

Time has made the emptiness easier, but my boy is never far from my mind.  I know he's happier than ever... seriously, who wouldn't be living the college life in Santa Barbara with fraternity activities and a beautiful, smart girlfriend?  But I miss him each and every day.

And today he's coming home and I get him all to myself for a few hours.  We have a date to go beer shopping as he's found a few brews he thinks I will enjoy (apparently the fraternity has good taste...), and I can hardly contain my excitement.

His room is cleaned and his bed turned down, but most importantly the cookie jar is full.  College life may have introduced him to craft beer, but it definitely lacks in the home cooking category and I'm making up for that over the next few days.

First up, these Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Spice Cookies.  Crisp yet tender, the spice shines in these beauties, but it's the sweet glaze that really shoots them into the irresistible category.

These cookies travel well and bring the sweet life with you where ever you choose to take the.  I'll keep you posted how well they pair with the beer.  :)

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles... Pure Fall Comfort

Fall has finally made her way into our San Diego weather, and as the morning temps dip into the chilly 60's locals relish the warmth of jeans and sweaters.  However by mid-morning San Diegans find themselves shedding those layers as the sun warms back to our normal 70's and life remains pretty much the same.

Many of us crave the comfort of that warm sweater or a snuggle with a loved one, and while the weather may not cooperate, a comforting cookie often does wonders for the soul.

Kona and Tavo

Cookies provide warmth and a moment of happiness even on hard days, and this week we desperately need that moment.  

Regular readers of Liv Life will remember our two Maltese pups, Kona and Tavo.  Littermates, these little guys have brought undying love into our lives for the past six year.

But last weekend we lost our precious little Tavo.  A severe allergy reaction led to incessant scratching around his neck and then moved into seizures.

With numerous vets and specialists shaking their heads saying the dreaded words, "I've never seen anything like this before, I really don't know what to do ...", they reached for every medicine in their arsenal.

Plowing through every allergy medication and then moving on to incredible doses of anti-seizure meds, little Tavo's symptoms never ceased and last Friday began to worsen.  And when he began letting out little whimpers of pain we knew the time had come to let him go.

The first real loss in Liv's life, Tavo's death has hit her, and all of us, hard.  With a huge hole in our hearts we've done our best to console Kona and keep him busy with lots of love and attention.  He seems to be adjusting, but our hearts still hurt with loss.

Cookies help momentarily though, and I'm putting these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from Cooking Classy up there with some of the best cookies I've ever had.  Not in the mood to create, I followed her recipe exactly, only substituting Earth Balance Butter Alternative for the butter and adding a dash of nutmeg with the cinnamon sugar that the dough is rolled in before baking.

With a tender texture and warm Pumpkin Pie Spice flavors, the coating of cinnamon sugar pops a sweetness in your mouth that can't help but make you smile.  Pure comfort bringing a moment of happiness into any day - even the bad ones - we've found a new fall favorite.

Pumpkin SnickerdoodlesTraditional snickerdoodle texture melds with warm Pumpkin Pie flavors for melt in your mouth happiness!  I've found a new favorite cookie.

This recipe comes from Cooking Classy and I followed her recipe exactly with the exception of using Earth Balance Butter Alternative to make them dairy-free and then adding a touch of freshly ground nutmeg and a pinch of ginger to the cinnamon sugar that the dough is rolled in before baking.  Click on the orange words below for this fabulous recipe:

Click here for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Recipe courtesy of  Cooking Classy

 In memory of our sweet Tavo (2009-2015).  We miss you little dog.

Thomas Keller's Chocolate Chip Cookies... #BloggerCLUE

When someone mentions the word "picnic", what food comes to mind?  What's your go-to dish or treat?  But for that matter... do you actually go on picnics?

Defining the word, pictures of tree shaded grass covered with checkered cloths topped with lovely wicker baskets flash across my mind.  Opening the basket I see sandwiches, apples, pesto pasta salad, sparkling waters, and of course cookies.

However, I've never actually experienced this vision.  And frankly, I don't know that I've ever actually been on a real "picnic" per se.  Now, I have been to the park when the kids were little, and we sat on a towel in the sand and had goldfish, juice boxes and of course those cookies.  I've been to dance competitions where we sit in crowded dressing rooms and try to fuel the girls with healthy options between dance number.  And of course, those cookies are there to provide a quick burst of energy.  And I've been to Jazz in the Park.  This one had that grassy field, but we went more of a wine and appetizer direction with of course... the cookies.

Hence, this month's Blogger Clue theme of "Picnic" obviously needs to be cookies.  And the amazing Azmina, of Lawyer Loves Lunch, brought a number of options.

Hailing from my old stomping grounds, the Bay Area (the San Francisco Bay, that is), Azmina is a true gem.  Not only does she manage a lawyer job in addition to raising a family (she has the most adorable wee-ones, a boy and a girl) and writing a food blog, but she does it all with love and compassion, and her humor has us laughing with her along the way.

Seriously, finding a recipe on her blog took me days simply because I kept getting caught up in stories and identifying with most everything she said (Mom Glasses.... LOL!).

I have to admit I've actually made three of her recipes in the past few weeks.  The Coffeehouse Blueberry Lemon Bars made use of some of the fresh, organic berries we found last week and proved to be equally as good for dinner as they did for breakfast or lunch.  However my friend Christiane, The Mom Chef from Taking on Magazines, made these last month (read about Azmina's stint as a Master Chef contestant on that post) and I figured I'd better move on.

Recipe to follow for these guys...  Let just say that when you turn you back only to find one left when you return,  you know you have a hit on your hands.

The Crispy Tandoori Smashed Potatoes singlehandedly drew Liv and my husband from their activities straight to the kitchen as the scent of garlic wafted through our house.  We've actually had this recipe twice in the last week, once Azmina's Tandoori version and once simply brushed with butter and garlic.  Let me just put it this way... when getting interrupted from a photo shoot and return to find only one smashed potato left (I swear I was only gone for 15 minutes!) one knows we have a hit.

And lastly, those cookies.  The epitome of picnic food, Thomas Keller's Chocolate Chip Cookies proved to be another keeper chocolate chip recipe to add to my repertoire.

Slightly crispy on the bottom, but soft on the top, they also passed Liv's ever so stringent "cookie dough test" with flying colors.  Personally, I love the chopped chocolates in place of chips as we get big chunks of gooey chocolate in every bite.

And now for the picnic.  With California's drought pushing our water limits to the max, green grass is sometimes hard to find (I hear "brown is the new green"...).  And with kids schedules taking me all over the state (the time eases up a bit as they get older Azmina, but they do keep stretching you - just in new directions!) in the next few days, the pure "time" requirement for a picnic is not to be found.

But... if you are reading this on posting day you will find me in the car heading for Santa Barbara to bring my baby home from his first year in college.  My heart swells just knowing my whole family will be under the same roof by bedtime tonight, and my boy will be all mine again if only for a few weeks.

And our drive simply calls for cookies!  Thanks Azmina for providing the perfect welcome home recipe for our picnic in the car.  And perhaps we'll spot some green grass along the way...

Thomas Keller's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tender yet slightly crispy on the bottom, these cookies are the perfect picnic fare.  Note Liv also gave them glowing remarks in the cookie dough category!

Usually I post a recipe in full when I write about it... but I made these cookies exactly as written on Azmina's blog.  And while the cookies are one you need in your repertoire, it's her story that really touched my heart and let me see into hers.  Head on over to Lawer Loves Lunch and take just a moment to restore your faith in humanity.  And then have a cookie.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe  ⬅ (Click for recipe!)

---------------------------------------------------------

Now let's see what everyone else brought to the picnic!! 

• (Almost) Nancy's Chopped Salad w/ Oregano Vinaigrette by Heather from girlichef
• Apple Chips by Lauren from Sew You Think You Can Cook
• Barbecue Chicken Salad w/ Smoky Barbecue Vinaigrette by Kate from Kate's Kitchen
• California Quinoa Greek Salad by Christiane from Taking on Magazines
• Carrot Cake Cookies by Kathy from Bakeaway with Me
• Chicken Salad w/ Peanut Dressing by Azmina from Lawyer Loves Lunch
• Chicken Waldorf Salad by Aly from Cooking in Stilettos
• Duck with Pear Wraps + Limeade with Chia Seeds by Kelli from Kelli's Kitchen
• Fried Apple Pies by Liz from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Green Bean & Corn Salad by Alice from A Mama, Baby and Shar-pei in the Kitchen
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Lea Ann from Cooking on the Ranch
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Date Cookies by Rebekah from Making Miracles
• Olive Sables by Lisa from Authentic Suburban Gourmet
• Puff Pastry Antipasto Squares by Anna from annaDishes
• Smoky Pimento Cheese Spread by Debra from Eliot's Eats
• Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Baked Beans + Chickenburger Roll-in-a-Basket by Kathy from A Spoonful of Thyme
• Thomas Keller's Chocolate Chip Cookies by Kim from Liv Life
• Tuscan Bean Salad by Stacy from Food Lust People Love
• Watermelon Feta Salad by Jean from Lemons and Anchovies
• White Bean, Bacon and Rosemary Salad by Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Christy from Confessions of a Culinary Diva

It's 4:00 Somewhere, and I'm Dreaming of Teatime in Paris...

It's 4:00 somewhere, isn't it??  Whatever the local time it's always the perfect time for tea, at least in my world.  So, as this year's travel plans are rounding out to be more of a "San Diego Staycation", I'm bringing a little bit of Paris to me with Jill Colonna's new book, Teatime in Paris!: A Walk Through Easy French Patisserie Recipes .

Jill and I go back a long way.  Actually, she and I were BFFs (Best Friends Forever) even before we first became truly acquainted.

Photo Credit:  Lili Auten

You see, I discovered Jill's first book, Mad About Macarons!: Make Macarons Like the French, when when researching the art of macaron making and the book became my constant companion during mom driving duties.

Reading the book from cover to cover in the school pickup line, at the dentist, waiting at dance class, etc, and then perusing her blog and actually watching her on tv (a Scottish morning show - The Hour), Jill and I spent hours and hours together, and I'm positively certain she would have felt the same kinship I did if she had only known I existed! 

Since then we've followed each other through our blogs along with occasional emails and we've watched as our similarly aged girls have grown into lovely young women.  I've virtually enjoyed spectacular days in Paris through Jill's lovely photos (love her instagram!), and I've envied her constant supply of macarons with flavor combos I can only dream of.  Her sense of humor and pure love of life make her simply the best of companions (My dad loves her too!).

Carlsbad Dance Centre Senior Dancers enjoying Teatime in Paris!

But even more excitingly, Jill has joined me once again and spent the last few weeks traveling around Southern California with the launch of her new book, Teatime in Paris!  While she may not be innately aware, her Strawberry Eclairs (pg. 84) tempted the dancers and dance moms at an LA Dance Competition, she's spent hours contemplating Choux Puff technique while lounging on local beaches, and she had Liv's orthodontist captivated with her Fast Fig, Almond and Lavender Tarts.

PC:  Alexis Mertz

However, our most fun excursion by far has to be the visit to Liv's Honors Algebra Class for a Career Day Presentation.  Who knew food blogging would garner such attention?  But with Jill's book in hand, how could it not?

Explaining that food blogging perks include reviewing cookbooks like Teatime in Paris, the kids took the task to heart.  With a plateful of Jill's Lemon and Grapefruit Macarons (yes... I bribed them so I would be the most popular presenter...) and a jar of glistening Diamants (Diamond Biscuits p. 40), these mathletes brought out their creative side as we discussed recipes from the book and food photography, and then set them off to photograph the treats on their own.

Photo Credit:  Meghan Brennan

I had entered the class somewhat confident in my food photography skills - I've had photos published in magazines, splashed on websites and even sold as prints and on cards.  But after seeing the creativity these kids brought for this review, my confidence has been knocked down a peg or two, but I am newly inspired to try different angles and see things in a fresh way.

Photo Credit:  Alexis Mertz

And try new things we did.  Teatime in Paris brings the Pâtisserie to your kitchen, and no, you don't need to be a master chef to taste these treats in your own home.  Thanks to Jill and her easy to follow directions, you can have fresh, crisp Almond Tuiles (pg. 46) with your tea in just over an hour - and with ingredients you probably already have in your own pantry.

Teatime in Paris guides you step-by-step through recipes from simple teacakes through eclairs, cream puffs and the delectable French Macaron.  All are within your reach with Teatime in Paris recipes. 

Photo Credit: Hannah Vandenkolk

Planning a trip to Paris yourself??  Jill also fills you in on some of her favorite, tried and true teatime and Pâtisserie locations in the city along with history and lore of the treats you will find there.

So what are you waiting for?  It's teatime somewhere...  what will be your Teatime in Paris treat of choice?

Photo Credit:  Emmy Kim

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Homework takes a lot of energy, especially when it includes teenage boys, long hours and cameras.  Preparing for an upcoming Broadcasting Competition, Liv and her group spent the afternoon at our house practicing with a short story on ISIS, and I'm amazed at how these kids can throw 90 seconds together on a surprise subject and end up with a professionally done story suitable for tv.

While I love listening to them, it's hard not to interject my opinions on everything from the subject matter to camera angles.  I've been requested to "hold my ideas", however cookies are always welcome.  And today Classic Peanut Butter Cookies fit the bill.

Adapted from a Martha Stewart Living recipe, I reduced the butter and added oat flour for a cookie that I can serve and watch them demolish while feeling good they are getting a decent snack with a bit of nutrition.

Proclaimed "One of the best cookies I've ever had!",  I loved that the boys suggested they film all their projects here, and I've promised cookies every time.

Season 2 MasterChef Jr. Winner, Logan's Chocolate Chip Cookies and a MasterChef Junior Giveaway

Life.   We tend to think we have it all figured out, don't we?  Our flight plans filed, we find ourselves happily headed down nice balanced paths when all of a sudden a fork, or a rock, or even a flood appear out of no where bringing a diversion we didn't expect.  Taking us off our current path and onto another, we sometimes find this new path easy going and blossoming with flowers, however other times we find ourselves fighting to regain our footing in an attempt to get back into balance.

Early December brought a bit of a tumble off of our happy, balanced path when my usually healthy husband found himself visiting the ER twice in three days with the second visit ending up with emergency surgery.  After an emotional 5-day hospital stay he headed home two days before Christmas with even more questions and an understanding that we have no understanding of how to efficiently work the current medical system.

While he's doing much better, he's been off work for some 4 weeks and will probably see a few more before he returns to filing flight plans for real (he's an airline pilot).  Thankful his issues aren't life threatening, Liv and I have settled in to make him comfortable with he's healing and stretch of time on the couch.

Looking for pick-me-up entertainment, Liv took the remote from his hands, fired up HULU on the computer and caught him up on Season 2 of our favorite show - MasterChef Junior.  And just in time as the premier of Season 3 aired last Tuesday, January 6 at 8/7c on Fox. 

Oona from Season 2

I have to admit he scoffed at the show at first.  "Seriously...", he questioned, "How good can watching a bunch of kids compete in a cooking show be?" (I fear he vividly remembers my Girl Scout Troop's adventure in cooking in our kitchen...).

But within minutes 9-year old Oona had him wrapped around her little finger with her confident come backs, kitchen finesse and irresistible personality.  12-year old Sean left us in awe of his restaurant-quality precision and skill, and who could resist 8-year old Abby's love of all things jelly bean?

Judged by the esteemed Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, and Joe Bastianich (whom I read is leaving the show sometime in 2015),  MasterChef Junior doesn't go easy on the contestants aged 8-13.  With critiques that would bring adults to their knees, these kids take it and move on to the next challenge with their heads held high simply oozing skills that I can only envy.  Really... how many kids enjoy pâté let alone know how to whip one up?

Finishing up our binge watching of Season 2, we caught the premier of Season 3 last Tuesday (January 6th - 8/7c on Fox) and I love that my husband is totally hooked, even telling us that we will have to wait to watch the show all together when he goes back to work in a few weeks. 

Meeting the kids in the first episode I must admit I'm somewhat missing the kids from last season, but I also enjoyed seeing the new personalities begin to shine with the first Mystery Box Challenge.  I loved how the kids brought different ideas from the same ingredients with final dishes ranging from entrees to desserts.

Jenna's Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango Mint Compote had me itching to whip up a batch of my own, and Jack's Chard-Wrapped Salmon is tucked away in my mind for a future date.  If only I had the recipe... because unlike him it's not something I'm capable of just whipping together like he did.

Nathan... from San Diego!

And I have to pull for 12-year old Nathan, though we didn't see much of him in this episode.  Hailing from our hometown San Diego, I'm wishing him the best of luck!!  But I think he'll see some serious competition from the intelligent and talented Ryan Kate, 11-years old from Texas.  And one can't help notice little 8-year old Riley, also from Texas who showed skills I can only wish for (I love his little step to get him over the counter!).

8-year old Riley... he's adorable!  And talented.

And easing us into this new, compelling season I have a special gift for us!  Just as we arrived home from the hospital a care package arrived on our doorstep (how did they know we needed a pick-me-up?) and proved the perfect treat while watching the Season Premier.

Opening the box we found goodies the treats including a recipe from Season 2's winner, Logan!  I almost feel kind of like he and I are cooking buddies... right??  Hot Coco Milk Crumb Chocolate Chip Cookies, he's brilliant!

Rounding out our MasterChef Winter Warm Up Box we received two MasterChef Junior Mugs, 4 chunks of chocolate on spoons, and jars of marshmallows, crushed candy canes and caramel chips... all perfect to go with Logan's Chocolate Chip Cookies and warm us to our toes as we enjoy the show.

MasterChef Junior Warm Winter Giveaway
 

And MasterChef Junior wants you to have a care package too!  Together we are giving away the same box of goodies we received to warm you up while you watch an episode of the show too.  Here's how to enter:

• Open to residents of the United States only.
• Giveaway ends January 16, 2015
• Leave a comment below with your favorite new contestant, or if you haven't watched the show something you cooked when you were little.
• Please leave an email address so we can contact you if you win!!
• For an extra entry leave a comment below after you Tweet the following :  Have you entered Liv Life's #MasterChefJunior Giveaway? #MCJWarmWinter   http://livlifetoo.yummly.com/2015/01/season-2-masterchef-jr-winner-logans.html
• For another extra entry pin to Pinterest from this post and leave a comment below telling me you did.
• Giveaway includes:  Recipes, two MasterChef Junior Mugs, 4 Wooden Spoons with Chocolate, 3 jars toppings (marshmallows, crushed candy cane and caramel)

 

Liv Life's #MCJWarmWinter Cookie Instagram!  (Logan even liked my post... now we really are recipe buddies!!  @logan.jr.chef )

Our thanks to the kids of MasterChef Jr. for helping us heal and getting us back into the kitchen!!

Hot Cocoa Snickerdoodles

Being a Food Blogger comes with perks.  My favorite?  Mail days that bring new cookbooks filled with gorgeous photos right to my door.  Such a day usually calls for an afternoon at the beach or an early stop in the pickup line as I simply can't wait to get my nose into the book.

Many times a certain recipe jumps out and I know right away what I want to make for our review, but with this latest book, Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking
 by Cara Reed, I couldn't decide.  Hence... this is my second recipe (with permission!!) from this book, and to be honest, I'm wishing I could just start at the beginning of the book and simply blog my way through.

Baking is my fist love in the kitchen, but I have to note here that I'm not a gluten-free baker.  As I mentioned in our last post (Cara's Ginger Wafer Thins), Liv thought she didn't like "gluten-free stuff", but this book is quickly changing her mind.  My son is severely lactose intolerant, and as such I'm are always looking for dairy-free recipes, hence I often turn to vegan sources and this book has become a new, highly praised source for me.

Research.... ;)

Seriously... Hot Cocoa Snickerdoodles??  My family is swooning, and I actually had to make a second batch to get a photo shoot in.  Luckily, they are all at school and work this morning, and I'm continuing the taste test portion of this post as I type.  All in the name of work of course... I want you to know how these snickerdoodles taste right from the oven, then an hour after baking, 2 hours after baking, and so on.  (Note: So far every hour is simply fabulous, however I will keep trying just to be sure.)

Tender and with a perfect snickerdoodle texture, these cookies bring what I think of as a Mexican Hot Cocoa flavor with the added cinnamon and chocolate.  Perfect for an after school treat (if there are any left by the time the kids get home), I can also see these cookies on my holiday trays or wrapped in a little bag for a hostess gift.  How perfect would a holiday gift of the book along with a bag of these cookies be??!

Thanks Cara for letting me post two recipes from your book.  I've got my eye on those Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes next!!

Ginger Wafer Thins from Cara Reed's Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking

"Hey Liv... I'm making cookies today from the cookbook I got in the mail a few weeks ago.  So I'll have some when I pick you and Taylor up from dance and you guys can be my taste testers, OK?"

"Sure!!  Oh wait... is that the gluten-free book you got?"

"Yep."

"Oh... never mind then.  I don't like gluten-free stuff."

So went our conversation this morning, and apparently my daughter thinks she doesn't like gluten-free goods.  Funny, because she's been eating some pretty darn spectacular treats all week, and... they've all been gluten-free recipes from Cara Reed's new book, Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking.  And... she liked them so much she's even been asking for extras so she can share with friends.

Our mail day Instagram!

Today I made Cara's spicy Ginger Wafer Thins (gluten-free AND vegan) and brought Liv what I had left over after performing my own taste test (which may or may not have had less than half the batch remaining...).

She and her girlfriend, hungry after 5 hours of dance rehearsals, gushed as they finished the rest of the gingery crisps, and her face was positively priceless when I told her the cookies were gluten-free.  Her comment of, "Well... I guess I do like gluten-free stuff!" made us all laugh.

While our family isn't particular to gf, I do tend to stick to vegan foods as I can guarantee a dairy-free meal or treat for my severely lactose intolerant son.  Cara Reed's beautiful new book opened our world even further with some 180+ pages of incredible baked goods my whole family can enjoy.

From cookies to scones to cupcakes and even donuts, every recipe we tried met or exceeded the "awesomeness" expectation we had after reading the descriptions that introduced them.  Cara has taken all the guess work out of swapping ingredients to remove gluten, milk and eggs from recipes, and her recipes work.  And she doesn't use "weird" ingredients that are meant as substitutes, just real ingredients using the right techniques.  Once you put together one of her Gluten-Free Baking blends (I did need to buy ingredients I don't usually have on hand for those), you're good to go.

If you are switching to gluten-free or vegan goods, you will definitely have predisposed ideas of what you are looking for in a cookie or cupcake, and I have to admit many times I'm disappointed with the finished products I find in stores or bake myself.  Not so with Cara's recipes.  She's done the research and testing for you, and you can count on consistently fabulous results from her recipes.

With a chapter on Childhood Favorites, Cara brings special treats like Girl Scout's Thin Mints to everyone's plate, and now no one needs to go without due to an intolerance or allergy.  We haven't tried the Strawberry Frosted "Pop-Tarts" or Hot Cocoa Snickerdoodles yet, but they're next up on our list and I'll definitely keep you posted.

Cara... thank you for bringing baked treats back into our house that my whole family can enjoy.  Your book is a treat to read with its gorgeous photos and your recipe descriptions make me feel like we're old friends simply chatting about what we're going to make.  The book is already splattered with batter and has pages turned down for future dates, definitely signs of a new favorite.  Thank you!