Sassy Molasses-Ginger Bread!

Hi Friends-
    The other day the inspiration for a sweet and spicy treat came over me.  I LOVE ginger and I've been trying to branch out from cupcakes....shh!  I figured a cozy Molasses-Ginger bread would satisfy my taste buds, and sure enough, it did!  The best part of this bread? It's completely fat free so go ahead and eat the whole loaf...wait, no, totally kidding! But this bread is pretty figure flattering! The walnuts on the top not only provide a lovely compliment to the ginger spice, but it provides some awesome protein and good fats! Dig in!
Stay Sweet!
Amy xox

Vegan Fitness FUDGE!

Hi Friends-
   Yes, you read correctly. I did type "Fitness Fudge".  Contrary to popular belief, I do eat more than cupcakes! In fact, I am a bit of a health nut; I run about 4 miles a day, lift weight and live for Pilates   Recently, I discovered the health (and tasty!) benefits of Total Soy protein powder.  Typically, I make the shake according to the directions then freeze it to make a yummy protein ice cream; however, after stumbling upon a delicious looking recipe for fudge using whey protein, I figured, "Why not soy protein?".  And sure enough, it worked! Vegan Fitness Fudge calls for 4 ingredients: Total Soy protein powder, soy milk, peanut butter and chocolate chips.  Each serving of this fudge (approx. 2 Tablespoons) packs a whopping 8 grams of protein and 125.7 calories! That's it! Now, these little gems did not photograph as nicely as my cupcakes, but do not let that fool you.  Prepare for peanut butter- chocolatey goodness! 
Stay Sweet,
Amy xox

Vegan Fitness Fudge (scroll down for recipe)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup soy milk

1/4 cup Total Soy Protein powder

1/4 cup peanut butter

3 Tablespoons chocolate chips

Directions:

1) In a large, microwavable bowl, combine soy milk and protein powder.

2) Add peanut butter, chocolate chips and stir to combine.

3) Microwave for 20 seconds, stir. Microwave for an additional 15 seconds until chocolate chips are melted.

4) Spray a small shallow dish with canola oil and pour fudge.

5) Place in the fridge for an hour to firm. Enjoy!

 **After scooping out the desired amount, you can roll the fudge in anything you'd like! Cocoa powder, shredded coconut or toasted almonds!

Fall Flavor EXPLOSION!

Hello lovely friends!
   It's been quite awhile, I apologize! SO much has been happening since Fall arrived!  I am back in Milwaukee and could not be happier.  Currently, I am working my tail off on some new recipes to share.  First up, CAMPFIRE CUPCAKES! For those who do not know me, I do NOT do camping; therefore, these cuppies are the closest you can get me to a campsite.  These cupcakes have a graham cracker-ginger cake with liquid smoke...yes...LIQUID SMOKE  to really capture that campfire essence.  I topped the cupcake with a vegan meringue cookie to mimic the marshmallow. Ahh....now isn't this better than having your clothes smell like smoke and being bitten by bugs? Yes, yes it is.
Stay Sweet,
Amy xox

Holy Smokes!!

Hi Friends!
     It has been quite an interesting and busy summer! In the midst of all the chaos, I created quite a few new recipes which I will be posting each week (I promise, I'll get better!).  The most recent creation is a smokey cinnamon apple cupcake! I used liquid smoke in this sweet cinnamon cake..yep! No type-o there! Liquid smoke truly brings out a deep flavor within the cake that can not be described as anything less than amazing!  I filled the cake with tart Granny Smith apples and topped it off with a classic vanilla icing and toasted walnuts.  
Enjoy!


Stay Sweet,
Amy xox

A Little Taste of Summer!

Hi Friends!
     I've finally kicked the chocolate rut...well, sort of!  Lately, all the citrus at the farmers markets have looked beyond perfect; therefore, what else to do but make cupcakes! Today, I created a light lemon cake, filled with a sweet blueberry compote and topped with chocolate buttercream and fresh blueberries.  A vanilla buttercream would be excellent, but chocolate is still number one in my heart!  A strawberry or even blackberry compote would be a delicious pairing as well!  Enjoy!

Stay Sweet,
Amy xox

Nice CinnaBUNS!

Hi Friends!
     I love finding new inspiration from the busy world around me.  A few nights ago, my best friend/cousin came to visit Milwaukee and as we walked through the mall, we smelled the wonderful scent of pretzels from Auntie Anne's pretzel shop.  The sweet aromas reminded me of walking through the mall with my family and always stopping at Cinnabun to split a giant cinnamon bun.  These cupcakes pay homage to my childhood- the slightly sweet cinnamon cake, paired with the vanilla cream cheese frosting and gooey caramel makes it socially acceptable to compliment these buns!

Stay Sweet,
Amy xox

Thyme for Summer!

Hi Friends!
     Summer is FINALLY here!  I love the smell of summer rain, bonfires with friends and of course all of nature's sweet goodness.  My favorite part of summer has to be planting and using fresh herbs.  In my window sill sits dill, basil and one of my favorites- thyme!  I used fresh thyme to really brighten up the flavor of the strawberry preserves in the cake, as well as the luscious vanilla frosting.  This cupcake is not a traditional flavor by any means, but it surely wakes up those taste buds!

Stay Sweet,
Amy xox