Vegan Berry Muffins

Ketan_Vegan_Berry_Muffins

It’s awesome to have a little helper join you in the kitchen, especially when that little helper gets to sample the batter (safely) before it goes into the oven to bake avoiding tantrums and Salmonella exposure.

Spectacular.

I’m always pleasantly surprised when I do vegan baking. Time and time again I must be reminded that not all good tasting baked goods require copious amounts of butter and eggs.

It’s the French in me what can I say?

These vegan berry muffins are moist and have a light sweetness thanks to the addition of shredded pear and vanilla almond milk; I sat back pleased as my little guy scarfed these down.

In my haze of running from one task to the next, I had to pat myself on the back for creating such a healthy edible I could smuggle into this picky eaters lunch box.

And because Ketan participated in the act of making and baking these muffins, he eagerly devoured the fruits of his labor.

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Northern Sonoma County knows how to party

Welcome to my real-life Renoir painting; anytime I visit Dry Creek and Alexander Valley in Northern Sonoma County, I feel transported to another place and time. Maybe its the quaint old fashion general stores with the wide oak plank floors, or the endless wineries dotting the valley floor. Whatever it is, it’s beautiful. And I’m so happy to call this my home.

This past Saturday, I indulged in Sonoma County’s annual Wine and Food Affair.  Two of my favorite things, no way I was going to miss it.

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Vegan Banana Bread

vegan banana bread

My first vegan baking adventure is delicious. Yay!

I wasn’t sure what to expect baking without eggs and butter. {nail bite}

This bread is moist and super flavorful, thanks to sweet ripe bananas and untart apple sauce.

Inspired by Laurel’s Kitchen Whole Grain Bread Book; I played around with a couple variations and decided to try my hand at making it vegan.

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Fall is in the air; Tomato soup in the kitchen

Drag out your sweaters; put a pot of soup on in the kitchen.

Grab a book, a blanket, and curl up in your favorite chair.

As soon as the air gets crisp, and the tips of the leaves turn orange, this is where you’ll find me.

Summer was mild this year; so I’m just beginning to enjoy my beautiful tomatoes.

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