Hidden Heart Cake from Beautiful Bundts

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mother AND to my beautiful bulldog. This year they are the same age (adjusted for dog years). Izzy got her own chocolate-free version of a hidden heart Bundt cake featured in Beautiful Bundts by Julie Hession. Happy 9th, dear Izzy! She wasn’t very interested in the cookbook, but perked up […]

Vegan Macaroni and Cheese

I’m not a vegan. But, almost like a sport, I enjoy finding vegan recipes that are delicious. The Edgy Veg by Candice Hutchings is a treasure trove of fabulous vegan hacks of more traditionally carnivorous dishes. I pry open every vegan cookbook with severe skepticism, because so many disappoint. The Edgy Veg does not disappoint. […]

Guinness anti-Gravity Cake for St. Patrick’s Day

Let’s have a moment to consider fondant. This was my first time experimenting with the substance, prompted by the fabulous and inspiring cookbook Gravity Cakes by Jakki Friedman and Francesca Librae (who, consequently, I imagine would be just the sort of kindred spirits I like to befriend, based purely on their silly taste and body […]

A Smoothie Bible, with Guest Review from my Smoothie Queen

Knowing my true place in the scheme of things, a veritable smoothie novice, I deferred the deep analysis of what I call the Smoothie Bible, the “300 Best Blender Recipes Using Your Vitamix” by Robin Asbell, to my mother, the Smoothie Queen. In New Orleans we have Smoothie King, but in Portland, OR, we all […]