Zoe's Cupcakes!

You can relax, dad, because Zoe can still make cupcakes even if we are in the midst of gluten-free baking! Last night Zoe, Constance & I made these delicious vanilla cupcakes with pink, vanilla frosting. They are gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free [vegan]. The ingredients list on the sprinkles looks like sugar & dye & preservatives so I'm assuming that they are vegan too. I chose this recipe from the Allergen-Free cookbook. Her recipes involve mixing up a big batch of "baking mix" from different flours & starches and then you use a cup of it as the base for most of the baked goods. It's like having a box of Bisquick that is gluten-free. Which, incidentally, I saw at the grocery store yesterday. It was really expensive! Make your own!

I asked Zoe if she wanted chocolate or vanilla cupcakes and she said VANILLA! which was unexpected. Constance is going to make some chocolate cupcakes, or a big 'ol cake, that is gluten-free for her sister's birthday this weekend. I think these vanilla cupcakes are an excellent indication that the chocolate version will come out nicely.

We have a new vegan friend via Bensational who is coming for dinner tonight. We have these cupcakes and also some vegan/gluten-free "oreos" for everyone to enjoy. Last night we made the cookie dough and the cream filling. The cream filling tastes EXACTLY - I MEAN EXACTLY -  like the filling in store-bought Oreos, except even better because it is fluffy and creamy. I am excited about these cookies. Can you even imagine eating Oreos that are not terrible for your health, they actually are chock full of whole grains and extra protein/nutrients, but still taste chocolate-y & delicious? How much would you pay for one of these?