Bake sales have been all the rage lately, and San Diego can be proud of chef Michelle Negrete who, full of empathy for those affected by the disasters in Japan, put together a “Cupcakes for Japan” event on March 26. Held at Cucina Fresca, the event featured dozens of vegan items Negrete baked, and went beyond cupcakes to include empanadas, tamales and baklava. Some of the treats included matcha cupcakes with cherry lemon frosting, and cookies and cream Oreo cupcakes.

Over $100 in proceeds generated at the event will be donated to Convoy of Hope and International Medical Corps.

Negrete has always had a passion and talent for healthy cooking, and after catering several parties, decided to start a vegan/vegetarian company called Lucky Boom Catering and Cakes. I can’t wait to try her vegan tamales that feature beans, potatoes, veggie meats, etc. and even venture into international cuisine like Indian and Italian – see her blog. Dessert tamales are part of her menu too – let’s all feast on flavors like pumpkin spice, coconut, and Mexican chocolate with cinnamon, clove and cayenne!

Sounds like one of those vegan chefs to keep an eye on, as Negrete will no doubt impress the San Diego community with her creativity and passion!

Babycakes NYC Delights

Gone are the days of Ener-G Egg Replacer being the main ingredient that comes to mind for baking vegan desserts. Nowadays we have not only many possible egg and dairy substitutes for baking at home, but stores and bakeries selling vegan desserts across the U.S.

On the East Coast, Sticky Fingers Bakery in Washington DC is known to be delectable, preparing cakes, breads, muffins – all the things you would expect from a bakery, but with originals like mojito or white Russian cupcakes. I was lucky enough to have a blissful time at Babycakes NYC. Maybe it was the great Lower East Side location, or the charm of a tiny bakery filled with amazing aromas. They cater to people with food allergies, so besides not using dairy or eggs, they don’t use soy, and have many gluten-free items. Their latest craze is vegan doughnuts.

Also in NYC, a newer bakery specializing in cupcakes that can be ordered online is Sweet Cheeks Vegan Bakery. Mint chocolate cookie crumble cupcakes, anyone?

Allison’s Gourmet is another online company that has been raved about for years, on the opposite side of the country — in California. I will never forget the birthday my mother treated me to a lovely box of high-quality and chocolatey cookies and brownies which came in the mail from Allison’s.

Also on the West Coast, Stephanie’s Organic Bakery in San Diego not only has delicious vegan cakes, pies, and more, but is also famous for their strudels (spinach herb is a favorite), vegan pizza and sandwiches.

Good news for Californians:  Babycakes is opening a location in Los Angeles. Numerous other places offer vegan desserts, so be sure to investigate before your next vegetarian travel experience. Also, you may be surprised at the sweet things you can find in your own city.

Passionfruit Vanilla Cake from Stephanie's Organic Bakery