Although Easter is over and I am sure that everyone is sick of carrot-related recipes, I couldn’t help but share this one. I have been meaning to make carrot cupcakes for a while now, only I couldn’t figure out how to make the cream cheese icing without being stuck eating the whole thing myself (see: Trevor’s lactose intolerance). It’s also worth pointing out that I refused to make carrot cupcakes with plain vanilla icing, which is practically criminal in my books. Carrot cake has to be paired with cream cheese icing, just like peanut butter and chocolate, mint and chocolate, everything and chocolate.
The only way I could make this recipe was if I used a milk free cream cheese substitute. I had been hearing about milk free cream cheese substitutes for some time now, only I was a little worried about how they would turn out. How close to cream cheese were we talking? Sure, it could look and smell like cream cheese, but I wanted something that tasted as close to the real thing as possible.
A couple days ago, I decided to take advantage of Trevor’s work benefits and went for a massage. This was my first time going to a registered massage therapist and the only way I could describe the experience was pure…..bliss….. Why we’ve never used this part of his benefits is beyond me and now I’m going to find a way to incorporate this regularly.
Originally I went because I was having issues with my lower back, but the most alarming thing was having her discover how much tension exists in my neck. I was also told that there was more tension in the left side of my body than my right, which makes sense because I have a tendency to lean to one side in my office chair which is a big no-no.
After two glorious days of sugar, I’ve finally found the energy to go through my photos and tweets from Macaron Day 2013. If you don’t know, Macaron Day is a day that celebrates the deliciously sweet meringue-based confectionery while also supporting a local charity. A complimentary macaron is offered to customers who mention that they are celebrating Macaron Day while proceeds of the additional macarons that are purchased on this day are donated to the Red Door Family Shelter. Eighteen bakeries participated in Toronto this year and after last year’s pitiful attempt to participate (see my picture here), I vowed to visit as many as I could while also purchasing at least one additional macaron per location.
I had one hour during my lunch break to visit as many as I could near my office. My first stop was Yorkville Espresso Bar, which derailed me slightly because of all the road construction that was around the store. I received a mini macaron and purchased one of their signature espresso flavours. This ended up being one of my favourite flavours and I’m so happy that they are near my office because I have a feeling I will be visiting often.
I’ve been toying with the idea of making my own cereal for a couple weeks now. The amount of boxed cereal we go through is insane and as much as I want to believe it, the cereal we eat isn’t exactly considered healthy. We may not be stuffing our faces with Corn Pops or Lucky Charms, but most cereals on the market that are marketed as healthy are also loaded with less “whole grains” and more sugar and high fructose corn syrup than many people realize. HFCS is pretty must one of the worst things you can put in your body (thanks Jillian Michaels!). I stopped baking with corn syrup a few years ago and I even remember throwing out the giant bottle I had in my cupboard, which I probably only had so I could make puff wheat squares.
Canadian food blogger, baking and eating her way through life. Musical theatre fanatic. Personal finance nerd. Sometimes runner/yogi. Green smoothies are pretty amazing.
