Relay for Life and Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Frosting

Finally, Friday, June 24th arrived for the Relay for Life.  Life's a Beach unofficially raised $2,680 for the American Cancer Society!!!!  I want to thank all of you who participated in and supported the Online bake Sale, which raised $700. Friday night was a wonderful evening, as the Relay always is.  The weather was perfect, and a good time was had by all.
(I'm the one in the pink sweatshirt.)

To celebrate occasion I made Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry "Cream "  Frosting with a few modifications from Baking For Her Soul.  I did modify the frosting recipe.  Karissa used Tofutti to make the  Strawberry "Cream Cheese" frosting, and I used Earth Balance to make Strawberry "Cream Frosting". I also used strawberry jam, instead of pureed strawberries, to make the frosting firmer.  You still have to chill the frosting for at least an hour before you frost the cupcakes, but it so worth it! Enjoy!

Here is the recipe, that I used for the frosting.

Vegan  Strawberry  Frosting

1 Cup Earth Balance vegan spread, softened, not melted. Available at Trader Joe’s

2C vegan powdered sugar   I used regular powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

¼ c strawberry jam

1/ 4c.  soy milk, or more to desired consistency

Beat Earth Balance until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla to Earth Balance.  Beat with electric mixer Fold in strawberry jam.   Add soy milk until desired consistency. Refrigerate about 1 hour still frosting is firmer.  Frost or pipe onto cupcakes.  Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired,

Yogurt Blueberry Muffins

Hi Everybody!  I know that I have been MIA for awhile, but today I'm on the farm with The Farmer's Wife, aka Kim. and her family.  I was so happy and surprised to be a guest blogger on the Farm.  I made these Yogurt Blueberry Muffins which would complement a hearty farm style breakfast or snack for her little ones. They are full of blueberries, Greek yogurt, and almonds.

Kim makes such down home comfort food, you'll never be disappointed with her recipes.If you would like the recipe and see more of Kim's blog, head on over to The Farmers Wife to meet Kim, if you haven't met her, and get the recipe. She will greet you with her warm, genuine personality.  Kim, Thank you so much for for the opportunity to be your guest blogger.  I had a great time.

Cinnamon Walnut Bread -Comfort Food for Monet

When I got an E-mail from Lizzy, @ That Skinny Chick Can Bake, and Kate@Kate's Kitchen for a comfort food recipe to add to a scrapbook of comfort food recipes for Monet, I never hesitated one moment to send them a recipe.  Now  of course, what recipe should I send them. I wanted the perfect comfort food recipe for Monet, who has endured many personal tragedies, in a very short time. I know that Monet loves to bake, and baking is her salvation, her escape from the harsh realities of life into a world filled with fluffy frosting, fruit filled muffins, and wholesome breads and rolls, and happy thoughts.


This bread is pure comfort food to me because, as it bakes, the sweet cinnamon flavors waft through the kitchen. It also has Greek yogurt for extra protein, to feed you  body and soul, and crunchy walnuts.  It is so good warm, slathered in butter or jam.


Monet, for you and your family, I pray to have the strength and hope you need to heal.

Hope is the thing with feathers

that perches in the soul-

and sings the tunes

without the words-

and never stops at all.

-Emily Dickinson

Here is the link to the recipe for Cinnamon Walnut Loaf.  Enjoy