Pumpkin Trifle

As fall and winter begin to approach I always rediscover pumpkin, as I'm sure many people do, although this winter season has convinced me not to forget about it during the rest of the year. I have incorporated it into so many recipes simply because it is delicious, and as a non-meat eater and an occasional non-dairy eater, pumpkin is the go-to replacement ingredient. Pumpkin may as well be considered nature's butter, aside from the almighty avocado.

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Stuck In A Gift Rut?

I'm sure we are all in the same holiday boat trying to figure out those stressful last minute gifts for close friends... and not so close friends.

Last Christmas I made a box for my mom filled with her favorite snacks, including fresh ground peanut butter from Whole Foods - her survival food. Under the influence of Christmas stress, instead of thanking me and accepting the gift, my mom exclaimed "Peanut Butter! I'll give this to Danny!" (My sister's vegan boyfriend). Ha! Thanks, Mom... at least wait until I leave to re-gift my present!

The best presents are meaningful, useful, or both. I am a huge proponent of homemade gifts because it's cheaper, it's more meaningful, and if it is at all food related it will most likely be used. Nobody needs another coffee table book of cute cats, tacky cheap jewelry, that mysterious kitchen utensil, or an embroidered pillow. Think of all of your favorite gifts to receive- simple, useful gifts are always the best!

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Chunky Tomato and Rosemary Soup

Over the past couple weeks I have been looking forward to relaxing this winter and really cooking up some great recipes to share. Of course, as soon as I arrive back home for the winter I am immediately swept away with more things I have to do. So finally after a wintery morning of Christmas tree hunting and stacking firewood I indulged in some much needed kitchen therapy.

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Vegan Apple Butter Cupcakes

 I think I did it.
I created the best vegan cupcake I have ever baked. I won't say this is the best cupcake I have ever made because sometimes you just can't beat butter...
Well, maybe I will say this is the best cupcake I have ever made. Maybe I have been sleep deprived because of finals. Maybe it's been too long since I have had  fully satisfying food made with the kind of lovin' that food should be made with.
Or maybe it was just a really awesome vegan cupcake.

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