zach n kali

My sweet husband has developed a very frustrating habit of, upon seeing something new that I have done around the apartment, asking me where I read the idea. Now, while I am a self-proclaimed non-creative type, I do take slight offense at the idea that I do not have any unique thoughts of my own. So, it’s time to bring the cupcakes back. While my first attempt, the nutella creamcheese cupcake, was not my own idea, this week’s creation is: Gluten Free Almond Bark Cupcakes (the GF label really should be whispered, because as Z took a bite, he exclaimed, “these are gluten-free?!” They really are that good) Almond Cupcakes: (recipe has been modified from “Vanilla Cupcakes” from Cooking with Coconut Flour by Bruce Fife) 3 tbsp butter, melted 3 eggs 1/3 cup sugar ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. almond extract ¼ cup coconut flour ¼ tsp. baking powder 1 cup dried cranberries Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and almond extract. Whisk coconut flour

I have a confession. I am having a love-affair with my stand mixer. When the two of us meet, magic happens. The kind of magic that makes pizza dough, cream cheese frosting, cookie dough, and banana bread. Ok, maybe I have a love-affair with food, but the mixer is my most trusted kitchen friend. I can leave the room and when I come back, it’s finished its job, no nagging required, and the batter is ready for the oven. The other night, I was home alone with the mixer. In went eggs, water, and cake mix. And then cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and nutella. And out came a product so good that I have to hide the leftovers in the freezer. Without my mixer, mixing would be much more difficult. While I know I would be ok, baking would not be as fun. The gentle whirring keeps me company while Z works and I preheat the oven or chop ingredients. It has shown me that while I may have given up wheat, I do not have to give up baking. Yes, I may be a little obsessed, but I

They say it takes a village to raise a family. I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of many villages. There is my family – incredible people who have already accepted our little one as their grandbaby, their niece or nephew, their cousin. I am humbled and honored to be part of a church that is willing to make everyone family. The wonderful ladies of Sunkist showered us with beautiful gifts to help raise our little one. Whether birthed by me or not, these little ones will be our children and I am so blessed to know that our church will step up and love them and support them, and pray for them, as such. This is what a church should be – not a place of judgment or façades. It is a place where people rise up to help their brothers and sisters and welcome us just as we are. And then there is my village of friends. Thank you all – friends, family, and church - for the encouragement, support, and love that you have all shown us as we have headed into very unknown territory. We lo