I have such beautiful memories of Christmas at my grandma's house. Every Christmas Eve, we would go to my grandma and grandpa's house in Sacramento. The aunts, uncles and cousins would come from near and far. My mom's mom was an amazing cook and would cook a gorgeous meal. However, the kids weren't too fond of the mushroom soup. My grandma was also quite the baker too. It's because of her that my mom loves to bake, therefore I have been given the love for baking. Thanks, grandma Lastufka! One ... read more
25 gluten free vegan holiday treats!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! With the kids jingle-belling and everyone telling you, "be of good cheer!" It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Time spent with the ones you love most. Making gifts for cherished friends. Spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals and baking lots of yummy treats. Sharing old memories together and making new ones that you'll remember for years to come. This Christmas (and every Christmas), I've spent a fair share of my time in the ... read more
gluten free vegan peanut butter chocolate thumbprint cookies
Christmas is next week. NEXT WEEK. How in the world did that happen? I'm pretty much done with all of my shopping. Gifts have been made. No presents have been wrapped. A couple packages still need to be sent. I'm feeling the pressure as the day draw nears. I wish the only two things on my to-do list were being present with my family and baking. Lots of cuddles and lots of cookies. These little peanut butter chocolate thumbprint cookies are my newest baking creation. I love making cookies at ... read more
dairy free hot cocoa mix
Nothing like a cup of homemade hot cocoa. Chocolatey, warm and oh so good on a cold winter day! I always seem to crave hot cocoa more around the holidays. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the time for celebration. I just think hot coca (with tiny marshmallows, of course) and Christmastime, go hand it hand. They were meant to be together. I was a bit sad when I first discovered every brand of hot cocoa mix contained dairy. "Powdered milk." Blah. I've tried a couple dairy free hot cocoa ... read more
sarah’s favorite things 2014!
It's here! My list of this year's favorite things...and a giveaway too! I'm sharing baking goods, baking tools, must-haves in the kitchen and my favorite cookbook to come out in 2014. These would all make FABULOUS gifts for the baker in your life. I've included links to each of the items, making it even easier for you to finish your Christmas shopping! 1. Green and Blacks Organic Cocoa Powder I'm a firm believer that good, quality cocoa powder makes all the difference in baking. ... read more
gluten free vegan chocolate peppermint layer cake
I can't decide what I love more about this chocolate peppermint layer cake. The 3 layers of moist, dark chocolate cake. Those rustic, yet perfectly-peppermint layers of buttercream that compliment the chocolate cake. It could very well be the creamy chocolate ganache that is dripping down the sides of this glorious cake. Either way, it's all fantastic! I made this chocolate peppermint layer cake for a dessert night we hosted at our house last week. All of the staff and board members of ... read more
gluten free vegan pumpkin cinnamon roll sugar cookies
It's cookie swap time! I'm going to be sharing all of my favorite cookie recipes on the blog this month. Some NEW, scrumptious cookie recipes. Some recipes from the past that should ALL be on your cookie Christmas list. Also, I would be delighted to hear from all of you! What are your favorite holiday cookies? What family cookie recipes would you LOVE to see made to be gluten, dairy and egg free? I'm kickin' off this cookie season with these pumpkin cinnamon roll sugar cookies. Yeah, you heard ... read more
gluten free vegan cranberry crumb bars
The day before Thanksgiving. You know where you'll find me...in the kitchen. It's the day for baking, baking and more baking. I don't mind. It's my happy place. Creating gluten, egg and diary free treats for my family to enjoy. Pumpkin pie is first, then usually a grab-n-go treat for the kids. This year I mades these cinnamon roll sugar cookies. I always bring enough to share, even though my husband would love to keep the pumpkin pie all to himself. It's a must for me to keep a generous ... read more
gluten free vegan soft gingersnap cookies
Cookies are my friend. They make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Especially when they are holiday cookies, filled with cinnamon and spice. Warm out of the oven. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Everything is right in the world when you have a plate of freshly baked cookies. I've tried many recipes to get these little gingersnap cookies just right. Baking without gluten, dairy and eggs is a pain in my butt. Sometimes I hate it, but all the work is worth it in the end. ... read more
gluten free vegan multigrain rolls
"Pass the rolls, please!" It's not often that you hear those words, in this celiac house. Having bread with dinner is quite the treat. My daughter probably gets the most excited and she's the only one who can actually eat gluten. She loves mama's gluten free bread and always asks for more! When the weather gets colder, soup is on the menu more often. I adore homemade soup. It warms my heart and just makes me happy. Sometimes I'll make cornbread to go with a crockpot full of chili. Sometimes ... read more