Allison Cafe

Last night I attended the book signing and talk with Erin McKenna, founder of the famous NYC bakery BabyCakes NYC, at Warwicks in La Jolla, CA. Rarely do I actually read a whole cookbook in one sitting, but last night I found myself fascinated by her healthy recipes for cupcakes, muffins, cookies and other sweets. All of her recipes are Vegan, most are gluten-free, and all are free of refined sugar. She created the recipes in her newly released cookbook, BabyCakes, in the hopes of creating healthy alternatives to traditional sweets recipes, and due to her own wheat, dairy and sugar sensitivities. Fortunately, I do not have any food allergies, but I am fascinated by the idea that a cupcake can be made without butter and milk and still be tasty enough to win New York Magazine’s coveted Best Cupcake Award in 2006. I’m off to start experimenting, let the baking begin! Oh, and for those of us on the west coast, Erin talked about a new bakery that will be opening in downtown Los Angeles very soon. Road trip!

Erin McKenna and her new fan, Allison