Recipe Testing for Cooking Class

Today it was time to test out two of the items for next Saturday's cooking class. I started by baking a cake this morning at the break of dawn. I got the idea from Albion Cooks to try out David Lebovitz' Fresh Ginger Cake. Now this cake is right up my ally. It is chewy on the inside with an outer layer that is cracked and crispy, just like good brownies. The reason for making this cake, was actually to test out a lemon, maple tofu icing for next Saturday's cooking class. Thanks to my good friend Carolyn, I was able to secure some agar powder and now the world is my oyster when it comes to tofu frosting. Having worked with guar gum in the past, I must say agar powder is WWAAAYYY easier. I was quite pleased with the results of this cake and the icing. The icing is not too sweet like a lot of other icings. The only thing is, I'm not sure everybody will share my complete love affair with anything gingerbread flavoured. I will probably be testing some raspberry icing later this week to compare.

For dinner tonight I cooked up a eggless tofu quiche. This recipe was tweeked from Nava Atlas' Vegetarian Family cook book. I made this quiche with artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes. The meal was a hit with my family and is definitely ready for the cooking class.




There are two spots left in the cooking class, so let me know if you want to join us!

Healing Gingerbread Cupcakes

I took these gingerbread cupcakes with me to my pilates and yoga classes last night to share. One of the massage therapists at the Wellness clinic thought it was aboslutely hilarious that I would work the girls out and then feed them "junk food." The thing is, cupcakes could never be classified as junk food. Especially since they are made with way more love than a bag of doritos. The spices that I used in these cupcakes have many benefits to the body. Black pepper puritfies the blood, cardamom is a digestive aid, clobes benefit the nervous system, cinnamon strengthens the bones and ginger heals colds and flu and increases energy. So, I offered these healing cupcakes as a commitment to health and well-being. Cupcakes along with physical exercise and a positive attitude are one of the great pillars of total health.