Spatulas, Corkscrews & Suitcases: Desserts

Desserts

July 14, 2011

Vegan Baking Cookbook Giveaway: Congratulations Winners!

Congrats to the 5 winners of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking" winners! We had a great TweetChat last Thursday. Many thanks to all who attended. The vegan baking cookbooks will be sent out to the winners after I get your mailing addresses.

Here are the names and numbers of the winners. The winning numbers correspond to the number of the comments listed in this post. Soooo, the cookbook winners are....

# 3 Lorie Huston
# 4 Chris Eirschele
# 7 Ann Gramling
# 8 Sharon Watterson
# 11 domestic diva

Please email me your mailing address at cruisingkitty@hotmail.com. Once I have them all, I'll let the publisher know and they'll send the books right out.

Thanks again for entering, and if you didn't win this time, please feel free to purchase "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking" at Amazon.com.

Jul 14, 2011 11:58:47 PM | Cookbooks, Desserts, Give Away's, Vegan Baking

July 05, 2011

FREE COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY: 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking' Cookbook

Penguin Publishing is giving away five (5) of my new vegan baking cookbooks, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking" by Donna Diegel—that would be me! In order to give the books away, we'd love to invite everyone to a Live Tweet Chat, Thursday, July 7th at 3:00pm ET/2:00pm CT. Don't worry! You don't have to be vegan to enter this giveaway.

From “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vegan Baking” Cookbook

“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vegan Baking” was published by the Penguin Publishing Group and Alpha Books in April, 2011. The book has over 160 recipes, and is available in either print or the Kindle version. (We'll be giving away the print version.) Whether your interest in a vegan lifestyle is to save the animals, your health, or the environment, your dedication to veganism doesn’t have to include boring food. From whole-grain yeast breads, to extra-creamy “cheesecakes,” and everything in between, this cookbook was designed to complete your culinary adventure into vegan living. All made with 100% animal-free products, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vegan Baking” will have you saying, “I can’t believe it’s vegan!”

Actually, you don't have to be vegan to use this book at all. Most of the recipes can be adapted to use non-vegan products, or to go semi-vegan. If you're not ready to go all the way, use a few eggs when it calls for egg-replacer. Use whole milk when the recipe calls for soy milk. You get the picture! This way you can ease into vegan baking, but still get the benefits of whole grain, fiber-rich ingredients when making your Blueberry Muffins.

How To Enter the Cookbook Giveaway!

Become a friend and like “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Vegan Baking” Facebook Page to stay current with the Tweet Chat updates and future giveaways, recipes, and photos.
The 5-book giveaway begins NOW! The giveaway ends Thursday, July 7, 2011 at midnight ET. I'm running the giveaway until midnight to give everyone a chance to enter after the Tweet Chat!
First, you'll need to leave a comment here on this blog post. If you'll be attending the 45-minute Live Tweet Chat on Thursday, July 7th, please let us know, and make sure to include what your Twitter name is in your comment so we'll know to look for you.
In order for us to know who won, you'll need to include your name in the comment or in your link and make sure we can get in touch with you somehow.
Only one entry per person, only one book per winner (we can check these things).
Only U.S. and Canada residents are eligible to enter.
The five cookbooks will be given away using a random generator. I'll post the winners here Saturday, July 9th. They will be shipped directly from the publisher, so if you're one of the lucky winners, they'll need your name, mailing address, etc.

On the Day of the Tweet Chat...

Log into Twitter around 2:55pm ET on Thursday July 7th.
Search #AskCIG on Twitter and include #AskCIG to join the conversation!
When you log in, tell us who you are, or your Twitter name.
The Tweet Chat will last 45 minutes, and will be a Question & Answers type of format.

*** IMPORTANT NOTICE: You don't have to have a Twitter account to leave a comment on this blog post to win the book. While we'd LOVE to have you join us at the Tweet Chat, we recognize that not everyone Tweets! Sooooo, please feel free to enter the cookbook giveaway now!

Please let your friends know about the Tweet Chat, and the book giveaway. We'd LOVE to see tons of people there!

The retail value of the book is $16.95.

Jul 5, 2011 11:31:52 PM | Cookbooks, Desserts, Give Away's, Vegan Baking

March 25, 2011

VEGAN Baking Recipes: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking

You don't have to be on a vegan diet to enjoy these vegan baking recipes. Vegan Red Velvet Cake and Cupcakes Recipe and Vegan Cheesecake are just a few of the delicious vegan recipes in this brand new cookbook.

Save $5.90 by pre-ordering from Amazon, and Barnes & Noble now for only $11.05.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking is due to hit the book store shelves on April 5th, and Amazon will send the books the day it's released. It's also available in the Kindle edition for $9.99.

I received my two author's copies in the mail last week from the publisher and have been totally excited ever since. I still can't believe I'm holding the book in my hands after 14 months. It seems like yesterday!

Order from Amazon here
Order from Borders here
Order from Barnes & Noble here

VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER PIE

Mar 25, 2011 11:58:44 PM | Breads, Muffins & Dessert Breads, Brownies & Bars, Cakes & Cupcakes, Cheesecakes, Chocolate, Cookbooks, Cookies & More Cookies!, Cupcakes, Desserts, Fruit Desserts, Galettes & Tarts, Pies, Pies & More Pies!, Puddings, Strawberries, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking, Vegan Baking

March 16, 2011

Zeppole for St Joseph's Day March 19: Felicia's Coffee, Rhode Island

Saint Joseph's Day is Saturday, March 19, 2011, but you don't have to wait until the Feast of St. Joseph to feast on Felicia's awesome Zeppole. They're available right now and for the rest of the week. This East Greenwich, Rhode Island coffee house/bakery is located at 5757 Post Road right next to the East Greenwich post office.

Felicia's luscious Zeppole are to die for. I'm sure these "Belly Bombs" aren't low-calorie, but it doesn't matter, it's not like you eat them every day. In fact, they're only available in certain bakeries around St Joseph's Day. Interestingly, this Italian holiday falls two days after the Irish holiday of St Patrick's Day on March 17th, which makes March a very tasty month! Don't forget we also had Mardi Gras at the beginning of the month to add to the feasting.

I have lots of Zeppole favorites around the tiny state of Rhode Island, but Felicia's Coffee makes the most humongous Zeppole I've ever seen. One of these tender pastries is enough to keep you full all day. At a recent visit, we sat down in the cozy East Greenwich coffee shop with a zeppola each and our favorite iced coffee. By the way, Felicia's Coffee is called Felicia's Coffee because they also have the best flavored roasted coffee beans.

Don't let the $3.99 price tag scare you off. Like I said, Felicia's Zeppole are huge. A box of four set me back $15.96, but it was the sweetest money I spent all week. After both of us eating one each, there's still two in the box for tomorrow.

Felicia's says, "of course our famous giant zeppoles are baked, never fried, made from scratch here in our kitchen with the freshest dairy cream, milk, eggs and cheese."

A word of warning... call in your Zeppole order ahead of time. They go like hotcakes and you risk them selling out before you get there. When you get there, have a seat near the fireplace, or if it's warm outside, sit at one of their outdoor tables. Felicia's is worth the drive.

Felicia's Zeppole Flavor Choices

The Classic - Delicious homemade boiled cream
The Italian - Blended with ricotta, sweet cheese and golden rum
Felicia's Blend - Fresh whipped with Felicia's Coffee Blend (this is my favorite)
The Cream Puff - Sweet vanilla whipped cream
Lucky Charm - Our own sweet Irish Cream
Pumpkin - Pumpkin pastry cream

Felicia's Coffee

5757 Post Road
East Greenwich, RI 02818
401-886-4141

More Zeppole Articles

Lot's of St Patrick's Day Recipes!

Mar 16, 2011 11:54:17 PM | Bakeries & Restaurants, Breads, Muffins & Dessert Breads, Desserts, Rhode Island ~ Out & About, St Patrick's Day

March 01, 2011

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking by Donna Diegel: Pre-order Cookbook Now and Save

Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Vegan "Cream Cheese" Frosting, Vegan "Cheesecake" topped with Strawberries, Vegan Chocolate Bread Pudding, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vegan Brownies, Vegan Pumpkin Pie, Vegan Pecan Pie and lots, lots more, and they're all vegan. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking" by Donna Diegel (that's me!) has almost 200 recipes in it!

My new book is almost here! I can't believe I'll see a finished copy of "The Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking" in just a few short weeks. When I signed the contract with Penguin Publishing 13 months ago, I never thought I'd see the day when my book would actually sit on a Barnes & Noble book shelf. But that time has come! My heart skips a beat just thinking about it. The book is finished and at the printers. I should have my author copies soon for reviews and such.

Amazon.com has had the book available for pre-order for months now, even before it had a yummy glossy photo on it. It's doing well in pre-order too. Good enough for Amazon to make it available in their Kindle edition. If you pre-order "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking" now, you'll save $5.66 and get it as soon as it's released on April 5th. If you order two books, it'll push you over the minimum for free shipping, and we all love free shipping!

Soooo, what I'm doing right now? Waiting, waiting, and waiting for the next 5 weeks to pass by. On Tuesday, April 5th, 2011, I may just take a ride to my local Barnes & Noble or Borders book store and browse the vegetarian section. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find a bright orange and white book staring back at me with my name on the cover!

Here's a few pictures of my vegan baked goods. I took lots of photos while I was baking, so you'll likely see some show up every now and then. I'll also be starting a new Vegan Blog soon just for the book Keep a lookout for it!

Try These Healthy Recipes!

Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins Recipe: Non-dairy, egg-free vegan muffins are made with Tofutti tofu cream cheese filling, egg substitute and soy milk. These delicious strawberry "cheesecake" muffins are filled with strawberry jam.

Vegan Carrot Cake Muffins: Dairy-free, egg-free vegan recipe for moist and tender pineapple Carrot Cake Muffins. These muffins taste just like a piece of carrot cake with sweet lemon icing.

Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Sweet and tart Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with fresh lemon juice and zest are tempting hot from the oven. Dairy-free, egg-free vegan muffins.

Healthy Double Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe with Cocoa and Tofu: Heart-healthy dark chocolate muffin recipe with semi-sweet chocolate chips. More like dessert than a breakfast pastry. Carob option for chocolate allergies.

Mar 1, 2011 7:50:51 PM | Cookbooks, Desserts, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Baking, Vegan Baking

February 11, 2011

Easy Valentine's Day Desserts: Cute Valentine Cupcake Recipes

Valentine's Day is Monday, February 14th. Do you know where your cupcakes are? Red Velvet Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are the most popular recipes for Valentines cupcakes. They're red and cute, and they taste way too good. What's not to like? Another perfect Valentines cupcake recipe are Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Make a batch of each, top with red and pink sprinkles, and arrange them together on a pretty serving platter lined with a frilly white doily. Gorgeous!

Cute Valentine Cupcake Recipes

More Valentine's Day Cake Recipes

How To Make Red Velvet Valentines Cupcakes, and more

Follow individual cake recipe as directed, except fill regular size paper-lined cupcake tins 3/4 full.
Bake cupcakes for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched.
Cool completely on wire racks before frosting or freezing.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops of the cupcakes as desired.
Or, place frosting in a large pastry bag fitted with a large star or rosette tip.
Starting close to the cupcake, firmly squeeze the bag and frosting through the tip in a round motion, finally swirling the frosting into a peak.
Leave as is, or decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar or finely crumbled red velvet cake crumbs.

Most Popular Red Valentine's Day Desserts

Feb 11, 2011 11:53:53 PM | Cakes & Cupcakes, Chocolate, Cupcakes, Desserts, Valentine's Day

November 23, 2010

Ina Garten Thanksgiving Recipes Google Doodle: Food Network Barefoot Contessa Talks Turkey

Food Network's own Barefoot Contessa has a special Google Doodle just for her. Food Network Thanksgiving recipes are the star though, as it features Cranberry Relish, Sweet Potato Casserole, Turkey Brine Recipes, Green Bean Casserole, and all the other Thanksgiving specialties that our grandmothers and their grandmothers passed down from generation to generation.

Check out the new Ina Garten Thanksgiving Google Doodle. The "oo" in Google has been replaced by a Thanksgiving meal complete with a turkey and all the fixin's. Mousse over and click the Google Doodle, and you'll be magically transported to a web page for Ina Garten's Thanksgiving Recipes from Google. There, you'll find recipes for Perfect Roast Turkey with Herb and Apple Stuffing. Poke around, The Barefoot Contessa has loads of Thanksgiving Recipes, so does the Food Network. Speaking of the Food Network, you'll find Thanksgiving recipes from Paula Deen, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, and more! Even Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving recipes can be found online this week!

Related Thanksgiving Recipes

Nov 23, 2010 1:36:43 PM | Beef, Pork & Poultry , Desserts, Pies, Pies & More Pies!, Reality Food TV Shows, Thanksgiving

November 21, 2010

Thanksgiving Desserts: Recipes for Pumpkin Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cupcakes and more

Thanksgiving 2010: Turkey Day is this Thursday, November 25th. Do you have your Thanksgiving dessert recipes planned yet? Will it be Homemade Apple Pie, Classic Pumpkin Pie recipe, or Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie? Or perhaps something you haven't tried yet, like The Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe knock-off, or maybe get a head start on Christmas Cookies and serve up a platter of Pecan Butterballs, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Shortbread Cookies. Whatever you have a craving for, there's something here for your Thanksgiving Desserts menu.

Best Thanksgiving Desserts

Nov 21, 2010 2:02:52 PM | Cakes & Cupcakes, Cheesecakes, Chocolate, Cookies & More Cookies!, Desserts, Pies, Pies & More Pies!, Thanksgiving

April 30, 2010

Kentucky Derby 2010 Recipe Contenders: Mint Julep Recipe, Kentucky Derby Pie

What are the odds you can get to Churchill Downs for a Kentucky Derby Party? Have your own Kentucky Derby Party with these recipes. I didn't know this, but Bobby Flay has his own race horses, plus, he has a mean Mint Julep Recipe! Then again, Food Network's Emeril Lagasse has his own awesome version of Kentucky Derby Pie that's to-die-for!

BEST Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
My own version, made with blood, sweat and tears, and some major love! Seriously, we made these Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pies for years at the bakery. Way too good and very rich. Just what you want for tomorrow's race with a tall icy Mint Julep!

Another one of the bakery's specialties: Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe with Roasted Pecans

Check out my Slideshow Photos of Kentucky Derby Horses and of course, my Kentucky Derby Pie!

Emeril Lagasse's Gold Brick Chocolate Pecan Pie - This recipe sounds pretty similar to my Kentucky Derby Pie. However, his does include edible gold leaf. Not sure if you want to include this or not. Looks pretty, but probably over-the-top expensive too!

Bobby Flay's Mint Julep Recipe - So easy to make Kentucky Derby Mint Juleps made with just a few ingredients. Course, the best Bourbon Whiskey and fresh mint leaves are a must for this race day special.

Double Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundaes: Kentucky Derby Dessert from Yumsugar

Now off to Dave's Marketplace to pick up some fresh mint and all the Kentucky Derby Pie fixin's!

Mint Julep photo: Wikipedia.org

Kentucky Derby race horse: AP Photo

Apr 30, 2010 1:42:46 PM | Brownies & Bars, Chocolate, Cocktails Beer & Wine, Desserts, Pies, Pies & More Pies!, Recipe Lists & Round-Ups

February 10, 2010

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY Cookies, Cupcake Recipes

Heart Shaped Valentine's Day Cakes, Valentine's Day Cookies, Red Desserts, Valentine Cupcakes and lots more to say "I LOVE YOU" on Valentine's Day! Red Velvet Cupcakes and New York Style Strawberry Cheesecake recipes are sure to win someone's heart this Valentine's Day.

Red Velvet Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Read my Valentine's Heart Shaped Cake story from last year. It'll give you an idea of how we made hundreds of these babies every Valentine's Day. Ahhhh, memories!