Thursday, April 26, 2007

Playing Catch-up


I have so much to post for you guys, and truly it has been catch-up for me in every respect, at home with the girls, with my book, and here.

Where to begin? First, a food photo. Our older daughter's 6th birthday was last week. Hard to believe she is six years old already. And what a busy week it was! On her actual birthday, I brought cupcakes to her class to share with her friends. The cupcakes were topped with a Strawberry Cream Kids' Frosting. The cupcake itself is a basic vanilla cake recipe, but the frosting is different than most on birthday cakes. Not gritty-sugary-buttery. I made a buttercream frosting first off, then tested it against the Strawberry Cream frosting with our daughter. She loved the strawberry cream, and said the other was too sweet. That's all I needed to hear, so I went on and retested the recipe. It's now going to be in Eat, Drink and Be Vegan.

Also, check out the nifty carrying container. Picked it up several months back at Zellers for $10. Yup, just ten bucks. Was on sale, but I think regular price it was only about $20. Handy for times like this, toting cupcakes around. And I know many of you are toting cupcakes! I have to say here, that I give due credit to Isa and Terry for testing the thousands of cupcakes they must have tested. I don't particularly enjoy cupcake making. Tedious with extra steps and cleaning, and care and packaging. I'd much rather do a full cake. So, hats off (er, muffin liners off) to you cupcake queens Isa and Terry!

Then, her birthday party was that following weekend. Our girl is a dino kid, which I love. Just to help balance all the 'girly' stuff that they get inundated with from such a young age. Even if you don't have it at home, it's everywhere else. Anyhow, I surprised her with my version (emphasis on my) of a dinosaur cake. I used my Triple Layer Chocolate Cream Cake recipe from TEV, and used an 8" x 12" glass baking pan to bake it. Also poured some extra batter into a round cake pan. Then, used that rectangular cake to cut a dino shape from this design. Decorated it, tho had to redecorate the next morning. Since this is a tofu-based icing, the candies slid off with the moisture by the next morning. So, make note, if you want to decorate this type of cake, do so a couple of hours before serving (not overnight). Here's the first version, and then the second lit at the party:

I liked the second version better after all was said and done, but believe me, a LOT was said at the time. A bit of vegan cake cursing! But, MAKE THIS CAKE! It's delicious. And NOT difficult. I'm not winning any awards with the decorating, but the kiddos loved it, and they came for seconds. The moms (non-veg) that tried ithave since been asking for the recipe. Every time I serve this cake to people, I am asked for the recipe. Seriously, go make this cake!

Speaking of awards, I've just been nominated for Blogger's best food blog. Thanks to my sis for that! :) You can click to vote for me. It would be cool to win, but really I'd just be happy if ANY vegan blog wins. Plus, I don't think I have anywhere near the best food photos. Someone like Susan V should win for her splendiferous (yes, that's a word in my world today) food pics! So vote for whichever blog you like, just vote vegans, folks! Oh, and I must note that when the food blog awards started several weeks ago, I voted for the ones that were there at the time. I noticed yesterday that there are 28 or so pages of blogs now, so I am guessing I may have missed some of you. I haven't had much time catching up on blogs and such, so if I missed your blog, I'm sorry, and I will try to cast more votes if I can after catching up on everything.

Next, I'm stoked to tell you that Vive le Vegan! is now in its 3rd printing! To kick off my own lil' happy dance, I'm giving away two copies. Here's the 'rules'. Thanks for supporting my work you guys. If you want to pick up a copy for yourself or a friend (I know, you'll wait to see if you win first), click on through. You may notice a very recent bah-humbug review. Must say it sucked to read that. I like making vegan food happiness, what can I say? So seeing something so sucky - well - sucks! I'm having a way with words today! Anyhow, I once heard that for every negative comment you get there are about 100 positive ones. That has already been proven by you through your e-mails and comments these past couple of years. Thank you all for that...

Finally, my manuscript is officially due the end of this month. Hubby is taking pen to paper these next few days to do "his" editing. He's mean, I tell you! Nah, actually I really appreciate it. He helps make my writing more succinct. And as you can tell from this post, that's most needed.

When I'm back I'll announce the winners, and catch up on lotsa' food stuff. Stay tuned, stay vegan. Click! :)

78 comments:

Teresa said...

Wow a dino cake- what a special girl (and a super cool mom too)! I bet that your daughter and her friends really enjoyed the treats. I hope that she ended up having a great day!

Wow you must be super busy right now with all the work to be done before your deadline. I don't know how you found time to post (feeling guilty for not posting in a long time). Best of luck with all the finial steps. And don't let those negative reviews/comments bother you. You have done so much for the vegan (and non-vegan) community and we definitely appreciate it. I know that I do.

Just don't forget to celebrate with some good vegan cookies and ice cream when you get the book sent off at the end of the month!

-Teresa

Tiffany said...

Congratulations on your 3rd printing! I would love to be entered in the contest.

Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Your cake and cupcakes look really yummy and look great. I am sure the kids loved them.

I am really looking forward to your new cookbook.

I would love to be entered into the draw. Thanks.

I just made another batch of the oat bars, my kids love them and there are gone quickly after I make them.

Thanks and have a great night. Keri

Anonymous said...

I love contests--even though I never win! Count me in!

Courtney

Heather said...

Hi, I LOVE VIVE. I look at it at least once a day! I would love a copy of TEV. I am almost Vegan, I say "almost" because I never realized how much dairy and eggs are added to stuff. I have made some mistakes with some foods thinking they would be vegan and oops they are not. All I have been doing is reading labels lately! I guess with time I will get the hang of it.
My oldest daughter will be six in Nov and she says they cake looked yummy while my 2 year old said RRRROOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!
Gotta love my girls!
Heather

summer said...

The dinosaur cake is adorable. And good for you for making it gender neutral! I have been enjoying Vive for some time and would love to try TEV.

Anonymous said...

Woo! I would like to be entered. I have Vive, but not the Everyday Vegan (yet).
Also, the dino cake is awesome. Many years later, I remember my mother making a bunny shaped cake for my 5th birthday. I bet your daughter will remember this as well.

Samantha said...

I would like to be entered in your contest too please!

I'm anxiously awaiting your new cookbook as well. All the pictures shown have looked so delicious.

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Please enter me for the drawing. Your pictures look so good, and you always claim the stuff is easy. I'd like to find out! Thanks. Josef

zud said...

I just borrowed your book from the library and it would be great to have a copy! Love the site, please enter me in your draw. Thanks, Zudora

Carol Weaver said...

I love the cake. My mom used to make us the bunny cake out of two round ones.

Congratulations on the third printing!

Tamara said...

Your cake is great! I am sure your daughter LOVED it. Nothing like a cake made by mom for a kids birhtday party. At least that is what I tell myself when the other parents give my creations funny looks! Ha!

And I loved the sound of the frosting for the cupcakes. Why do I never see recipes for frostings that are not SOOOO sweet!

Peace, Love and Veganism said...

It's funny, but I prefer the make cupcakes over cakes! If one doesn't come out that great, you always have eleven more! I have been making Isa and Terry's cupcakes for so many occasions lately... sometimes for no reasons at all! Yours look great, too :) As for the dino cake - it reminds me of the (non-vegan) ones that my mother used to make for each child in our family, every year on their birthday. Despite being a working mom (dad stayed home for a while, she is a doctor), she always made sure that we had a homemade "cut up" cake for our birthdays. From unicorns to a butterfly I will never forget, you name it, she could make it! Thanks for bringing back the memories :)

Peace, Love and Veganism said...

Oops- that should be, "I prefer TO MAKE cupcakes" :) Also, I would love another copy of Vive to give to my mom, to say thanks for all those great cakes!

Melinda said...

We love EDV and would love a copy of Vive! :)

Julie said...

I want that dino cake for my birthday! :]

rabi said...

best dino cake ever!

I like making cupcakes better than cake-cakes because that way I don't have to settle on one decorating scheme. gim

Anonymous said...

yay, congrats! i'd love to win a copy.

Anonymous said...

Dreena,

Thanks for showing other parents that you can make a strawberry frosting that is not pure sugar!

Your dino cake looks amazing. I wish I could have had a cool cake like that when I was a kid!

Congratulations on your third printing!!

nico said...

nice cake! will definitely be making this one :)

chanale said...

I look forward to the new book even more with every photo - I can't wait! :)

Anonymous said...

Hey I would love to be entered into your contest. I'm a new vegan and always looking for more recipes. Your food always looks so yummy! Thanks for all the posts -Sharada

Katie said...

Those cupcakes look SOOO good! I plan to make that cake at some point too!

Please please please enter me into the contest.

Katie

Aurelie said...

Giveway! Yay! It's weird that you find cupcakes harder then cake. I find them easier in every respect! They're easier to carry, frost, and even eat! (in my opinion) Say happy birthday to you daughter for me! We almost share the same birthday.

P.S. I think people who post negatively are overexpectant.

Anonymous said...

OMG I LOVE the dinosaur cake! You are becoming mom! (Hey mom, I volunteered you to make 1000 cupcakes for brownies tomorrow... LOL). She used to make fun cakes like that. Looks so yummy- and the cupcakes look awesome too. Can't wait to get my hands on that new book!

Anonymous said...

lol... also? why is your site flagged for "adult content" on the blogger awards?? very weird.

The Dancing Cashew said...

Hi! It's my first post ever. :)

That icing looks really yummy. Anything strawberry is good, especially in icing form.

The cake looks awesome, as well. Great job!

Congrats on the third printing!

The Dancing Cashew said...

Woops, sorry. I accidentally posted twice. :( I'm still getting a hand on this newfangled technology.

Dr. Melissa West said...

Happy Birthday to your daughter. I love the cupcakes and the dino cake. I can't wait for the new cook book and the healthier choices for cupcake frosting. Good luck with everything you are working on right now!

Michelle said...

um, off to zellers i go! $10 freaking bucks!?! that's crazy! now if only i had space in my cabinets...

those cupcakes look lovely too.. strawberry cream sounds yummy!

happy birthday to Charlotte! kaeden is also a big dino fan!

Anonymous said...

This is the first time I have commented on your blog, but I check it religiously! I love Vive, and already own it, and would like the chance to win Everyday Vegan! Thanks for the chance!!

Sarah R

Twisted Cinderella said...

I love the dino cake! I would love to be entered into the contest! I have no vegan cookbooks at all and I have been looking around here for one a lot lately.

Dani said...

Wow, I love that dino cake!

Muse said...

the dino cake is awesome...your daughters are lucky to have a mom like you.

aimee said...

Oh, Yum! Strawberry frosting! When I was little my mom used to make me and my sister each a different cake for our birthday (we're twins). I usually chose a combo of chocolate cake and strawberry frosting (sometimes the reverse!) I am counting the days until ED&BV!
Oh, I made your chickpea sensation patties from the DVD and they were scrumptious!
Aimee
(don't enter me in the contest...I have both books!)

Vegan_Noodle said...

That's awesome that your daughter loves dinos! I thought I was the only one when I was a little girl....Can't wait for your new book to come out so I can try those new cupcakes, it's making my mouth water as I write this. I think I will try out your triple chocolate cake this weekend for an "omni-bbq"...gotta show those folks that you can be a vegan and have your cake too!
Also, I just started my own vegan blog: http://walkingtheveganline.blogspot.com

Cindy said...

Well....pay no attention to that review....I love your cookbooks! And the cake!

bazu said...

Happy birthday to your daugher! I think my local public library will be so happy if I win this drawing and quit borrowing your book from them EVERY WEEK!

EB said...

Those cupcakes look tasty!

Michalooney said...

What a lucky girl to have such treats for her birthday.

Sheree' said...

Happy Birthday to your lil one! Your cake is fantastic. You are a great momma. I love making cakes. I don't mind making cupcakes, but if transporting is in the deal, YUCK! Although, you found a great deal on carrier. It is awesome looking!.

Congrats on your 3rd printing of your book. I can't wait for your next book to come out. I will be first in line! :o)

Noel Green said...

Sign me up for the contest! Thanks, and congratulations on your book going into its 3rd printing:).

Celeste

Anonymous said...

I can't wait until the new book comes out so I can try that frosting. Is it tofu based? It looks like it might have the same texture of the frosting on my favorite vegan cake that I just can't figure out!

Anonymous said...

Click?? I don't get it.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dreena, your dino cake is so neat looking! My oldest is 14 and my youngest is going to be 7 this summer....not a one dino lover in the bunch, but they all love chocolate cake.....only problem is, I don't have the book :) I guess that I'll have to save my pennies to get it so that I can make the cake :) Along with all of the other great recipes that I see mentioned here and on other vegan blogs. We are not a vegan family, but I do make vegan meals 2-3 times a week to create a balanced weekly menu. My husband won't go for a vegetarian diet, and I would be perfectly happy being vegan....so we compromise :) I am trying to build my vegan cookbook library and love your website so I'm going to have to work on purchasing your books! :)

Congrats on the 3rd printing, that is awesome! I am friends with a couple of cookbook authors and I know that those later printings are a very big deal!

And I am with you on the additional mess of cupcakes.....muffins too! I'd rather do a quick bread :)

Everyday Superhero said...

The cupcakes look divine and the dinosaur cake makes you the most awesome mom.
Congrats on the 3rd printing. Looking forward to getting my copy of the new cookbook.

laura k said...

Dreena, those cupcakes are too cute--as are the dinosaur cakes! The photo of the one at the party looks like it's hanging on the wall. At first I thought you had mounted it--silly me!

Congrats on Vive being in its third print! Tomorrow I'm going to go on Amazon and write a shining review, just like it deserves. That is my favorite cookbook, hands down. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Dreena - I'd like to be a contender, too! There's a space on my shelf waiting to be filled by Vive le Vegan...

moi + toi PHOTOGRAPHIE said...

Contest, Contest??? Count me in! I love contest's.

Food=Me

Gotta write this stuff down said...

I am seven weeks a vegitarian trying to work up to veganism. I love your postings! They have helped so much!! Please enter me in the contest.

Thanks, Katie

Dreena said...

Hey guys, you're all entered, and thanks for the good wishes!...

Hey Teresa - your notes are such a treat to read! Thanks, she had a super day - um, couple of days actually!! It's busy, yes, but last week was far busier, and I'm seeing the light with this manuscript. Thank you for those kind words, good of you to say. Oh, I've already got the ice cream, trouble is, I'm into it every day!!!

Heather, I chuckled at your "RRROOOAAAAR"!! Our 2 1/2 yr old does the same. She has already assumed the T-Rex stance and takes off around the house with her sister in dino land. It's priceless! Glad to hear you are lovin' Vive, and you know what, even us long-time vegans still accidentally buy stuff with eggs and dairy in it. There's not a label I don't read, but sometimes I miss something with a 2 1/2 yr old tugging at me, ha! So, just keep reading, and return things when you can - most stores have no problem when it's a non-perishable. Good luck!

Peace, love... what awesome memories! Glad the post brought them back to you. My mom always made our cakes too, and I loved that. The storebought cakes at parties were never as good!

Hey Dayle... thanks again for the nomination! I know, what's with the adult content thing?? Hello?! I have dino cakes on my blog!!! Might be because of the post linking to the Vegan Freaks podcast. Whatever, it's funny. I AM becoming mom! I hear myself saying things that are her too. Must be natural once kids hit a certain age. Hey, did mom give you the dvd to watch... or do you have it to keep? If you don't have one, I'll send you a copy. I don't have copies yet (just my own single copy), waiting for a shipment. Anyhow, I'll send you one soon!

Hi Aimee, I love that story. Cool that you are a twin. This strawberry frosting would be great on chocolate cupcakes or a cake too - you can relive your childhood cakes! :)

Hi vegan noodle... this would be a GREAT cake for an omni bbq. Omnis always love this one. Be sure to check the link to the post about the cake. Gives a visual on making the cake. Good luck and have a fun bbq! :)

Hi veg-a-nut, you know, if it wasn't for that carrier, I probably wouldn't have made the cupcakes! I probably would have made pan cakes or something. When I brought the carrier in, several moms caught a glimpse, and then quickly asked where I got it, and talked about how many times they had to transport cupcakes on trays and with plastic wrap, etc, etc. So, yeah, the transport is a nuisance unless you have a handy gadget like this!! Thanks for the congrats. :)

Hi Chava, yes, the frosting has tofu in it, which helps give it body and creaminess... though it's tricky getting around the tofu flavor, so there's also a number of ingredients to flavor and add extra stability. Still sugar in it too, just not as much as a buttercream.

Hi anonymous, the 'click' refers to the "click to give" campaign I launched a few weeks ago. You can go back to the March posts to read about it. Basically, all proceeds from the clicks on my Google ads (at the top of my home page) will be donated to charity. So, please click those ads when you visit, and I'll post soon with an update on how much has been raised to date!

Hi Lori4squaremom, I am so pleased to hear that your family is eating vegan meals several nights a week. This is often how acceptance of vegan eating begins. As you enjoy more vegan foods and meals, you want to eat more of them, so it's terrific that your husband and children are open to eating vegan meals several times through the week! I may just have to post that cake recipe when I get some time - because you NEED to make it for your family!! (btw, amazing not one dino lover in your 'bunch'!!)

Hey Laura! What a doll you are, thank you. Got your myspace comment btw... wanted to 'reply' to it, but I don't think it works that way on myspace??? I have to spend more time on myspace to set up my 'space' and learn more about it. Eventually... Anyhow, thanks again, and if I could have mounted that cake I would have (esp after decorating it for a second time)! :)

Hi Katie, congrats on becoming veggie, and keep it going!! Step by step, and it's really not hard to go from vegetarian to vegan - and the blogs here are a great support to help you along the way. Feel free to comment or e-mail if you have questions with your new diet, or recipes you may want to try! Good luck!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

I'm trying to focus here --- as I type, my 4 year old is saying (over & over) "Mommy, I want a dinosaur cake" Mommy, can we make a cake?" "How 'bout dinosaur?" So, it seems I'll be making this soon! LOL! :o)

Yeah for Vive le Vegan!!! If I win, I'll give it to my girlfriend who's birthday is coming up, she always loves the food I cook for her from Vive -- esp. the cannellini bean yam hummus!

Cheers for Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan

scottishvegan said...

Happy Belated birthday to your daughter! That dinosaur cake is amazing! I wouldn’t worry about that negative review on Amazon. I read it and the reviewer said herself that she hasn’t even tried any of the recipes! I’m sure if she actually made something from Vive! she would not be disappointed! Congrats on the third print of Vive! That’s so cool!

Brooke said...

Awww, I love making special kid-friendly cakes! That dino is awesome, and I am totally gonna use that cake recipe.

megatarian said...

I think the dino came out great! Who got to eat the head? :o

Melissa said...

You've convinced me, I'm going to make that cake. The recipe calls for seasoned rice vinegar. I have rice vinegar, do you think that would work or should I try to find the seasoned kind. Thank you! Melissa

Dreena said...

Cute, Vicki, that's funny!! Your girls will be cooking YOU meals soon with how much they learn with you. Thanks for your cheers!!

Thanks Scottishvegan... appreciate all your sweet words, and really you *did* brighten my day with that cool post. :)

Thanks Brooke, and the dino pattern was actually pretty easy to cut out free form. I don't normally cut shapes from cake layers, or even cut them in half to make thin layers. I was concerned I'd have trouble making the shapes actually look like a dino, but it wasn't too tough, and the frosting of course allowed me to correct any cutting mishaps!

Um, Megan, that might have been me... couldn't resist all the frosting around that bitty dino head - and the big vegan white choc chip for the eye. Nummy. :)

Cool Melissa! Absolutely, you can use unseasoned - and in fact, I've used apple cider vinegar as well and it was just fine. Use regular cocoa powder if you have it, instead of dutch - I've found it works a little better. Also, extra-firm silken tofu gives a firmer icing than just the firm. Good luck (and have fun licking the extra icing from the bowl - love that!)

Danielle D. said...

Congrats on the 3rd printing. I would like to be entered into the contest as well.


I must say that the dino cake is super cute!

myrtle said...

hmm, too late to get my name in for the draw? Congrats on the 3rd printing either way.

The cake looks fantastic!

Anonymous said...

I've been vegan for one month now (applause) and I just found your blog. I LOVE IT! The recipes look great and I can't wait to try them. I've already got EVERYDAY VEGAN on hold at the library. I've never felt better. Thank you!
Linda

VeggieLawyer said...

I already own Vive le Vegan, but I wanted to enter the contest anyway.

I've been enjoying cooking from Vive since I bought it earlier this month - - I've done 6 or 7 recipes so far and all have come out good. Thanks for a great book.

Anonymous said...

I am a new vegan, trying to get my family and friends used to the idea (and possibly convert a few along the way!). I have TEV and would LOVE to win Vive, so please enter me in the draw. I made the roasted potato salad from TEV last weekend at my son's 5th birthday party and it received rave reviews.

Anonymous said...

what great luck that you happened to be making a cake for your daughter! My daughter's 2nd birthday party is coming up this weekend and so I'll have to dust off my TEV cookbook and make that cake!

Is it easy to vary the strawberry icing at all? i.e. not be strawberry, maybe have it cherry or blueberry or something? (my daughter is allergic to strawberries)

I can't wait until this next cookbook is published!!
-Suzan

Anonymous said...

Those cupcakes look so so so good!!!!! I cant wait for your next cookbook to come out!!!!! Your cookbook are by far my favorite !
Courtney B

Anonymous said...

OOOh oooh! Pick me, please! I have heard wonderful things about your book, and would love to receive a copy. Congrats on the 3rd printing, and I can't wait for the new book!

Thanks, C.Leonard

Michelle said...

quick question.. i'm going to be making your pineapple bars from Vive for company next weekend.. when you call for crushed pineapple, does that include the juice or not? i'm assuming it does, since you don't say to drain the pineapple first.. but i just wanted to check LOL

urban vegan said...

What a sweet post--literally! Cute dino cake and cuppers.

I've been eyeing a cupcake carrying pan, but I don;t have the storage space, plus, like you I think the regular prices is too much (but $10--you can't beat that!).

urban vegan said...

PS--I'm not entering your contest since I already have your book and want someone else to enjoy it. ;)

Dreena said...

Thanks Danielle, you're in...

you too, Myrtle.

Hi Linda, that is so excellent! Conrats on making the vegan switch. Keep it up, and let me know if I can help anytime. :)

Thanks Jams59, you're welcome, and you're also entered.

Hi Lynda - another new vegan, awesome! Your friends/family will come around... just keep feeding 'em good food. :) Glad you loved the tater salad, btw!

Hi Suzan, yes, you can absolutely make the frosting another flavor, so the strawberry allergy won't prevent you from enjoying - yayyy!! Have fun with your daughter's 2nd birthday, btw!

Thanks Courtney!! I appreciate that. Just another 6 or 7 months till the new book is out now!

Thanks C. Leonard... and good luck.

Hiya Michelle, yeah, you can use the entire can. Usually there isn't much juice, if it seems to be swimming in a lot of juice you can drain a touch off. But, usually the crushed pineapple isn't too liquidy, so you can dump the entire lot in. You are one busy cooking/baking mama!!! Have a nice time with your company...

Hi Urban Vegan!! Thanks - I am not one for a lot of decorating, so the dino cake almost sent me over the edge! Yeah, the cupcake pan was a great deal at that price - even if only using it once or twice a year.

Melissa said...

Dreena, I made the Tripe Layer Chocolate Cream Cake and served it to 18 non-vegans and it was a huge HIT! Really delicious, great chocolate flavor but not overly sweet. I baked the cake on a baking sheet like you suggested, this made a nice sized rectangular shaped cake that was very easy to slice. Thank you! Melissa

Michelle said...

thanks dreena.. i will TRY to have a good time, but this is my mother in law we're talking about, sooo.... let's just say that i (literally) baked a cake on the day that she moved 9+ hours away from us ...

it's going to be a whole Vive-ish dinner planned though! we're gonna have a salad with your Lemon Zinger dressing, then your pan crisped Eggplant, then Broccoli Mushroom Phyllo pie and those pineapple bars for dessert..

can you tell that i'm trying very hard to keep myself super busy in the kitchen while she's here LOL.

i also plan on making your Triple Layer Chocolate cake for my birthday in a week or so! (kaeden insists that we put raspberries on top!)

Anonymous said...

Bummer about the bad review, but your reply on Amazon was very nice and well put. I guess you can't please everyone, but I wouldn't let it bum you out too much considering how many people LOVE your books. Thanks for all the inspiration!

Kati said...

That dino cake is so cute! My mom actually made me one almost exactly like it (not vegan, though) when I was six or seven...I was very into dinosaurs then, too. Happy birthday to your daughter!

Dreena said...

AWESOME Melissa!!! :) Thanks for the note, I'm so pleased everyone loved the cake. Did you eat the frosting with a spoon? I'm always sure to keep just a few spoonfuls to eat all by itself!

Ohhhhh Michelle, sounds like you have quite a weekend ahead of you! Poor you!! Yes, you certainly haven't picked the *quickest* meals to make, doing a phyllo pie. Ha! Well, hopefully all the cooking and eating will distract you enough to have an okay time. Good luck!! You'll have to let me know how it all goes (oh, and raspberries on that cake will be divine, I tell you)!

Hi foodeater, thanks for that. Yeah, I wanted to 'reply' to the review, since I wasn't able to get in touch any other way. Just wanted to let the reviewer know that I could be contacted to help give more info about some of the new ingredients, flours, grains, etc, to perhaps show that these aren't difficult to find or use in regular cooking/baking. But, there will always be some that won't like what I do, and that's that!

Hi Kati! What? Not still into dinos?? jk... I know more about dinos now than I did when I was a kid!!!

Michelle said...

one more quick question.. i think i'll make the Kalamata Walnut Tapenade.. but can i do it ahead of time, or is it best made fresh? i'm sure the olives would be fine, but i'm assuming that the walnuts would loose some of thier crunch?? or is it all fine LOL.

PLEASE, help me stay busy busy! i'd rather be happy in the kitchen than miserable with the visiting!!!

Dreena said...

Michelle, you're a hoot! Hmmm, maybe I should suggest a few more menu items??! :) The olive/walnut dip should be just fine. If you want, you can reserve about 1/2 of the nuts, crush them by hand a little, and then the day of serving stir them by hand through the already processed mixture to have a touch of fresher, crunchier nuts in the mix. Though I'm fairly certain I've stored leftovers of this mix for several days and it has still been terrific tasting. Good luck! Let me know if you need anything else!

Armchair_Archives said...

I'd love to be entered in the contest too if I"m not too late!!!! I'd use the new recipes to entice my husband who has recently gone veg to go (I'm crossing my fingers) vegan!

I don't have any children yet, but that cake makes me feel like baking a dinosaur too!! I think I will!!! :)

Armchair_Archives said...

Oops lol I just scrolled up and realized, I'm too late. Oh well, sorry for the extraneous comment :)