Rich Decadent Blondies (Vegan and Gluten Free)

vegan gluten free blondies

If you are craving rich, decadent blondies that are vegan AND gluten free, these are them!!! I baked a batch of these “beauties” to see if they’d make a good hostess gift for a weekend visit to our dear friends in L.A. Not everyone drinks wine and I’ve given too many floral bouquets. But WHO can resist a box of home-baked treats? (I even went to Micheal’s craft store to buy a special box for them – presentation counts!!).

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Winter Solstice Cookies aka: Choc Choc Chip Cookies (vegan and gluten-free)

winter-solstice-cookies

The Winter Solstice is my favorite day during the crazy holiday blur (I mean) season. It’s the shortest (and darkest) day of the year which makes it the best day for introspection. I like to share this day with others so I threw a small party and served these wonderful “Winter Solstice Cookies” aka chocolate chocolate chip cookies to celebrate the richness of the dark.

I chose cookies that are wheat-free, gluten free, vegan, easy to make and seductively delicious and this fantastic recipe by Demeter of The Beaming Baker, fit the bill.

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End of Summer Vegan Fruit Crisp

delicious vegan fruit crisp

I LOVE fruit crisps!! Especially, peach. They are lighter than pies and have that irresistible granola crumble on top. I don’t often cater to my sweet tooth, so it’s rare that I will make one. But, as the end of summer approached, I wanted to celebrate the peaches, plums, nectarines and raspberries that would soon be out of season. With company coming that Friday, I decided it would be perfect.

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Valentine’s Day Cupcakes and the Practice of Love

When I was growing up, Valentine’s Day was depressing. I always compared myself to my friends who received more cards, more gifts, and more attention. I convinced myself that they were prettier, more admired, and more lovable.  By the end of the day I felt short changed and invisible. To protect myself, I stopped celebrating it.

As I’ve gotten older and more connected to the deeper aspects of myself, I use this day not to compare the number of cards or flowers I get, but to celebrate my own practice of LOVE and my goal of being a more loving person. 

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