This review is now closed. Thank you to all who participated! Read on to enjoy the review!!
This is the third book in a series of giveaways - click here to see what is next in the lineup! Like us on Facebook to stay up to speed with all our giveaways!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. They did not pay me for my review. As some of you know far too well, the opinions expressed herein most definitely are and perhaps unfortunately always will be my own!
First, the winner of the last giveaway, which drawing was delayed due to an invasion of cockroaches (exterminators came!! Sorry for the grossness!) and an out-of-town guest (hurray!). Thank you for your patience! Congratulations to The Hungry Crafter, the winner of our random selection! Check out her beautiful blog on cooking and crafting at home. I'll send her an email asking for her address, and Storey Publishers will mail out her beautiful new soda book!
Now, on to the book review (and giveaway!).
This book is from Da Capo Lifelong Press; find them on Facebook here (they are always running giveaways, too!).
This is a powerful little book.
It is very possible that it will take over the world.
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero
I first met this book when I went to my wedding photographer's home to discuss her shooting my wedding. She had made S'Mores Cupcakes that day, and I indulged; I became obsessed.
I had to have this book!
I borrowed it from her, and fell in love. Orange Pudding Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. Dulce Sin Leche Cupcakes. Toasted Coconut Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream Frosting. Now, some time later, writing on my blog, I realized it was a book I needed to share with my readers. I could not keep this candle under a bushel!
Why vegan? Especially useful for those who eat strictly vegan or have intolerances to eggs or milk products, anybody who loves sweetness or somebody in the mood for a tender, light-crumb miniature cake, this book is (as the title indicates) animal-product free. I myself am not vegan; innocent and naive, the first time I saw a Mexican Hot Chocolate cupcake I swooned, "I didn't know you could bake without butter!" Turns out, you can. And the only way somebody might be able to tell the difference is that these are possibly ... better.
What's in it? Now, when I get a book I like to know what to expect; so here's what to expect: An introduction to ingredients, tools, and troubleshooting tips. If you are new to the world of vegan baking, this section will be gloriously helpful. Sometimes, a freaky-sounding foreign ingredient turns out to be something so normal and common that you've passed it in the grocery store a hundred times. In fact, all of the ingredients in this book will be easy to find in a grocery store - nothing wildly outlandish, here.
This is followed by The Recipes, divided into four sections: Basic Cupcakes, Classic Cupcakes, Fancy Cupcakes, and Frostin's and Fillin's. Perhaps needless to say, I like the Fancy Cupcakes best, myself!
Basic Cupcakes include such timeless favorites as Golden Vanilla Cupcakes (a new version of Yellow Cake), Your Basic Chocolate Cupcake, and even a Vanilla Gluten Freedom Cupcake. Classic Recipes will delight you with Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (hint: no actual cream cheese was harmed in the making of this recipe), Crimson Velveteen Cupcakes with Old-Fashioned Velvet Icing (Red Velvet ... in vegan disguise!!), and Brooklyn vs. Boston Cream Pie Cakes (this one is next on my list To Bake). In the Fancy Cupcakes section, dither at Chocolate Stout Cupcakes, Tiramisu Cupcakes, or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Cinnamon Icing. The Frostin's and Fillin's section contains all the fluffy, creamy toppings and middles including such dazzles as Not-Too-Sweet Blueberry Mousse and Coconut Pecan Fudge Frosting.
You really can't lose with this book; it's beyond outstanding. All bakers - vegan or not - should be adept at the skill of baking dairy-free. Not only is it fun to try your hand at, but you never know when you can surprise a vegan friend, delight an allergen-sensitive friend, or just plain have a good ol' time with your own private hoard of cupcakes.
Brass Tacks: On with the giveaway! You know this book is a winner, so why not try to be one, too? Enter the giveaway and steal away with your own delicious copy of this fantastic little jewel. Share this giveaway with a friend, too - the more entries we have, the more giveaways we are privileged to do in the future... Everybody wins! There are still more delights to be had from this publisher ... such as Vegan Pie in the Sky, and Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar! (We will also be giving away another of their books in our lineup here - another vegan publication!)
Enter the Giveaway!
2. Share this giveaway with a friend! Post this on your Facebook, e-mail it to a friend, or share the link with somebody who might also be interested in this book! This isn't required but it would be such a delight, thrill, honor for me if you would!
Extra Epic-ness: We're giving away more - Sally Fallon's Nourishing Traditions, Terry Hope Romero's Vegan Eats World, Chef AJ's Unprocessed, Ron Schmidt's Untold Story of Milk, and a bonus, edible round from Tropical Traditions - so follow us on Facebook to be alerted to all our giveaways!!!
Mrs H
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