Moment of Silence for Ed Shannon's Lasagna of Christmas Present

No this photo doesn't do this holiday meal justice. But when you're so eager to eat something - you can tend to convince yourself that whatever photos you have are actually pretty good - when maybe they are just a little left of "works". This classic Italian feast combines Tofurky Italian Sausages cooked in red wine, handmade meatballs made with LightLife Gimme Lean and of course the traditional Lasagna made with tofu-ricotta combined with some Daiya Mozzarella. Of course - it is always served with a side salad and some green beans but - ya know - you guys already know what green beans look like.

Happy Holidays from The Shannons!

We didn't make this the internet gave it to us.

I know we've been MIA lately. I've been completely submerged in our book. Last night I literally passed out on the sofa with my laptop about a foot away. I was up till 3am with Fright Night on and a cold cup of coffee trying to think of new ways to say "blend" and "mix" while still making sense. Spoiler Alert! Our book will have a lot of blending and mixing in it.

I am yet again hopelessly behind on my emails, Facebook messages and as always my dishes. Seriously not even 'college me' would approve of the state of our kitchen at this moment. But I enough about me. I'm getting a lot of emails asking for suggestions for Christmas and Hanukkah dinners. So I went through and compiled this greatest hit list that I hope will help some of you out with inspiration or remind you of a recipe you liked but maybe you haven't made since last year... whatever.

• Vegan Risotto alla Milanese with Peas 
• Manicotti with a Kalamata Olive Pesto Tofu and Tofu Ricotta Filling 
• Soy Nog Cupcakes
• Gingerbread Cookies
• Pear & Cranberry Cobbler
• Vegan Venison (Gardein) with Cranberry & Red Wine Sauce 
• Vegan Baked Latkes
• Soy Nog Cheesecake 
• Our Pinch of Chutzpah Matzo Ball Soup 
• Coffee & Wine Braised Beef-less Brisket with Vegetables
• Candy Cane Cake 
• Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
• Ziti all'Amatriciana 
• Vegan Shrimp Scampi 
• Citrus & Garlic Basted Holiday Roast 
• Beef-less (Gardein) with Bordelaise Sauce & Roasted Rosemary Potatoes 
• Fettuccine with Wild Mushrooms & Artichoke Hearts 

Happy Holidays! XO - Annie (Dan too) 

PS - Please don't think I haven't missed you all because I have.

The Betty Crocker Project : Candy Cane Cake

So the other night I poisoned myself with vodka and orange juice to try and shake this bad case of writer's block I've been dealing with. I did shots and typed. I giggled till I cried and typed and ate pizza and drank more shots. Did it help? Was I able to make some progress on the anecdotal sections of the book? I'm embarrassed to say it did. Though what I wrote needs way more editing than my usual random typing. I know there is a lesson here and I'm hoping it's "don't fall into bad habits like thinking every time I'm stuck on something the answer is doing shots of alcohol so strong it can eat the stain off a table"*.

My Weapons.

Will I be drinking again anytime soon? Dear God No. Yesterday was just awful. What was left of my brain vowed revenge for their fallen brethren and punished me severely for most of the day. I think that although my experiment was a success, it's something that I should hold on to for those rainy brain days. I guess you're also wondering where the cookies are. Well, I made this cake yesterday and it was just too fun to keep to myself and much cuter than the brown on brown hazelnut latte cookies. I already love campy bunt cakes but this one has a brightly colored and flavored peppermint swirly ribbon inside it that is pretty cool too. It's a super sweet treat to bring to a holiday party or make for someone who has a Christmas birthday. It's also super easy.

Don't press on the cake when you cut it - it will crush the prettiness.

'Tis the season for sharing...

The Plan

I currently have a little bit of writer's block. I mean just a little bit but enough to be really sad about it. That's why I have come up with a plan that I'm 100% sure will work. I won't bore you with the details* but it won't be pretty and it involves being brave.

Wish me luck. Updates and cookies tomorrow.


* I also don't want anyone to try to talk me out it.

We want to know what you like about donuts...

Mini Donut Charms by Rosemary Travele (Yes - I REALLY want one)

Today I'm writing the donut section of our book and I need data. If you have a moment please leave a comment answering these questions: 

• What is the best thing about donuts?

• What are your thoughts on jelly-filled? 

• How often do you make donuts? 

• When you make them are they usually raised fried donuts or baked?

Thank you so much for your help! XO