coconut molasses cake // fresh figs

 On a few different occasions on the blog I mention that I am in a book club. For our last session I was the host which also meant that I got to select the book we would read & discuss. After much deliberation and researching, I settled on the Kitchen House as our group read. Towards the back of the book there was a recipe for Molasses Cake. A good portion of the book takes place in the Kitchen House along with several scenes depicting large celebratory feasts both inside the "Big House" and out in the field. Throughout the book you will find Belle baking molasses cakes, after writing the book the Author and her daughter perfected what they would like think as Belle's version of molasses cake that she would bake in the book. I would like to share with you my take on this simple & humble cake- not overly sweet but makes for a nice fall treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

mini bbq tempeh tacos

These adorable mini tacos have been my go to summer appetizer; I can recall at least 5 gatherings this summer where they have made their appearance. Way cute, simple to make & easy to eat; totally meeting all the requirements for the perfect party food. I really cannot get enough of these mini tacos, not only because they are mini, but I also have a thing for tacos- they are my second love.

za'atar crusted eggplant // tomato basil naan flat bread's

If you are not a fan of eggplant these just might change your mind; mind blowing good. Homemade garlic naan, vine ripened tomatoes, za'atar crusted eggplant, pesto & fresh basil, super simple and amazingly good - they were a huge hit at our book club meeting last week, of all the people, my gram loved them the most and let me tell you, she can be finicky lady when it comes to food.

individual crudités // white bean basil hummus

I hosted our bi-monthly book club gathering last week. If you know me, you are well aware how much I love hosting parties; amazing food, cocktails, music and conversation. The best part about entertaining is being able to see to it your guests go home happy and full with a big smile on their faces & leave talking about when the next gathering will be. Our book club gatherings not only focus on the book content and conversation surrounding the book but also the good food that goes along with the meeting. Easy to eat, conversation friendly food is a must for book club - these individual crudites with white bean basil hummus is the perfect fit for any gathering, plus you totally bypass the double dippers out there!

bitter & sweet asian salad ~ at vegan richa

Richa  from the Vegan Richa fame is one of the most inspiring ,compassionate & strong Ladies I know. Not only is her personal story and life journey inspiring, when she's in the kitchen that is really where the magic happens - Richa turns out the most creative and inspiring recipes I have ever come across on the blogosphere. I am honored to share with you a dish that so very much reminds me of Richa, bright, happy, definitely not bitter despite the name but definitely sweet.

Thank you Richa for sharing your space with me today and for being such an amazing friend and beautiful person. The world is so very lucky to have you.

Join me over at Vegan Richa to check out this Recipe along with Richa's amazing Blog!

peanut butter bundt // dark chocolate frosted + Leibster!

 

peanut butter & chocolate, is there any better combination?

everything about this cake i love- the pure peanut butter cake, dark cocoa frosting and the chopped peanuts

I'm telling you, this is a cake you will want to eat for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

a cake that is perfect for an after school snack, a potluck or your next book club get together

my book club peeps were quite lucky last week - i made them this cake. 2 days later i made another one, that is how incredibly tasty this cake is; totally worthy of baking twice in one week!

fudge topped cocoa chai bars

i love reading and discussing what i read, i searched for a local book club to join but came up empty handed. so my solution was to create a book club, it has been fantastic! always great conversation, wine, food & friends- a bi-monthly get together that never disappoints. besides our shared love of reading we also are closet foodies and winos, ummm I mean connoisseurs of wine; our club is appropriately named "Reading between the Wines" - Kate is so clever!