The title was clearly created with the intention of putting a smile on your Monday morning face. Did it work? Because it made me wildly giggle writing it.
So you are looking at {okay, more like you are reading words from} the newly employeed gluten-free AND vegan baker something-or-other. Official title. No, I have not opened up my own bakery but I have been given an incredible chance to work in a place that offers me the opportunity to grow in my gf/vegan bread-making skills. Holy gluten-free flours!
What I am learning in life currently is that it is never silly to throw out your desires into the Universe. Nothing is too outrageous to send out because they are your desires; your dreams; your wishes. They deserve to be heard and fulfilled. I just never thought mine would be fulfilled so quickly. And so specifically too…
This has been my dream job for the past year but the slim pickings for both a gluten-free *and* vegan bakery, even here in southern California, are just that. Slim pickings. It seemed impossible to have an opportunity open up like this, let alone work for 2 really incredible people with whom I already gel with. I’m pinching myself right now.
Cinnamon Roll Mini Donuts Recipe
Gluten, egg, and dairy free
Makes 16-18 mini donuts
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 c. sorghum flour (I use Authentic Foods brand)
- 1/2 c. Brown rice flour (Authentic Foods)
- 1/4 c. potato starch
- 1/4 c. arrowroot powder
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- (OR: 1 1/2 c. regular flour and omit xanthan gum)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 c. buttermilk (1/2 Tb apple cider vinegar + 1/2 c. non-dairy milk)
- 1 1/2 tsp Ener-G egg replacer + 2 Tbs warm water, mixed til frothy
- 1/4 c. oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon & Sugar Filling*
*For The Filling:
- 1/2 c. brown sugar (lightly measured)
- 1/8 c. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. ground gloves
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbs non-dairy butter, cold
- With a fork, combine all ingredients together until it resembles a clumped-up, sandy mixture.
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix dry ingredients together until fully combined.
- Make a well in the center of the bowl. Add all the remainder of wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. Fold in crumbly cinnamon/sugar filling.
- Grease a mini donut pan.
- Place batter into a ziploc baggie. Cut the corner of one side to use as an opening. This part is important in the shape of the donuts: Using one hand to firmly keep the dough flowing out of the hole, squirt the dough out in a circle in the pan.
- Bake 8 minutes. Allow to sit in the pan for 3 minutes after you take it out of the oven.
- Drizzle icing** over donuts and allow to set a few minutes. Best if eaten the same day.
**For the Icing:
- 2 Tbs Tofutti cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbs non-dairy milk
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- Whisk ingredients until completely smooth.
Beauty from ashes, right? It’s an interesting place to feel sadness and joy simultaneously, but as I read this yesterday, I’m realizing birth and death go hand-in-hand:
“Whoever got the idea that we could have pleasure without pain? It’s promoted rather widely in this world, and we buy it. But pain and pleasure go together; they are inseparable. They can be celebrated. They are ordinary. Everything that ends is also the beginning of something else. Pain is not a punishment. Pleasure is not a reward.”
–Pema Chodron, Comfortable with Uncertainty
I’m so happy for you Cara, though a tad jealous of all those lucky people in souhern cally.
Keep throwing your dreams out into the world sista
xxxx
Come for a visit, will ya?! How fun would that be???
Oh Cara!!! That is WONDERFUL!!!! I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear that this is your new job opportunity. Not that being an accountant isn’t cool (it is, in its own right) but um, GF vegan baker?! WHOA!
I know, it was a tough one to weigh out but I am thinking that I would rather have flour all over me than numbers 🙂 Thanks Nikki! xo
Congratulations on your job! These doughnuts looks absolutely delicious!
Hi Carol! Thank you so much for the comment–I started today and I was like a little kid in a candy shop. Best day ever. xo! Hope you are having a wonderful day…
What great news! So happy for you!
You are amazing!
Wishing you lots of luck on your new path! So happy for you ;D
The donuts look soo good ~ so good you’re jumping into doing what you already love!
xo
Awe, congrats on the new job sweetie! That is brilliant news! I am so very excited for you 🙂 Looking forward to hearing all about it.
xoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you! It is a beautiful new beginning for me and I cannot wait to keep you updated 🙂
Looks so good. So cute too with the blue straw!
Aw, thanks so much iatelunch 🙂 So glad to see you over here!
The previous comment was not meant to mean that your food isn’t presentable. I know that ovens don’t always cooperate as they should. That’s all 🙂
HAHA! I didn’t even go there with my thoughts so no need to backtrack 🙂
Looks like someone will be getting daily packages in the mail…
Fantastic! 😉
Holy hot doughnuts, Batman! Way to go! I hope you have a ton of fun with your new job! 🙂
…you do realize that now you’re going to need a taste tester or sampler of some sort. And you’ll have to find a way to get rid of all your rejected baked goods that might not be pretty enough for the front line 😉
::swoops in and takes a doughnut::
Congrats on your job, these dunuts look very tasty!
Thank you so much for the congrats and comment, Catalina! xo
I am so completely jealous I don’t even know where to start. Maybe get on a four way phone conversation you don’t know about but everyone else hears? I always wanted to open a bakery. I guess this requires monthly care packages of the prototypes. Yes. I believe so. Thank you. You are SO kind. hehe Honestly, I’m so proud of you I could burst.
P.S. You can still send prototypes. 🙂
I’d like to see that happen (the bursting). *Sitting back, waiting for the flames* hehe
Thank you for the love, Laurel!! …But who are the recipients of this 4-way conversation you speak of?
I hadn’t actually thought of the recipients, it was more a flash of a certain movie you claim is one of your favorites? Fact is, I don’t know anyone who would say mean things about you even behind your back. I do like the idea of bursting into technicolor flames. I could be a firework.
Oh damn. What movie? Crap, am I bad at this or what???
Sewing you a technicolor jacket…
What movie? Um, gee I’d be awfully MEAN if I didn’t tell but that may just be because I was raised in another country. 🙂
You are evil and you must be destroyed.
Name *that* movie.
I’d bake you a cake out of rainbows and smiles but
Ooooooohhhhh now I get it. Why did I NOT get the first reference???!!! That is a shame that needs to be rectified!
She doesn’t even go here…
I just have a lot of feelings.
my heart is spilling over with excitement for you on this new venture cara! cannot wait to hear more about it as the shop works towards opening day! squweeeee!
I can feel your excitement–thank you so much for that Jess! I cannot wait either. It’s a fresh start towards a new beginning for me. xo
MMM, …They look like real Gf winners & real treats! I love them so mcuh! 🙂
And they love you Sophie. In fact, they are looking at you wondering why you haven’t made them yet 🙂 heheh xo
Oh Cara, I am SO unbelievably stoked (and OK a little envious!) for you!!! Wheeeeeee what an amazing opportunity – you are gunna rock this job so hard 😉 How exciting. Your new employers are very lucky to have snagged such a talented creative (lovely) lady, can’t wait to read how you go…. HUGS!
When you and Viper save your money for your trip out to the States, you will have to make this place a stop of yours and come see me. Wait a minute, that is ridiculous. We will be seeing each other outside of me working so scratch that. But still, you can come eat pizza and cupcakes and sandwiches that I made 🙂
congratulations and celebrations. When do I get an invite for a doughnut party? ^_^
Aaaaaaahhhh a donut party is a MUST! Yes! How about tomorrow? 🙂
Sounds good to me 🙂
Congrats, Cara! This is so very exciting for you! I’m wracking my brain thinking of the GF/vegan bakery options where you’ll be moving, but I have a feeling you’ll disclose sooner than later, so I’ll give my brain a rest and let you share when you decide to share.
It has not yet opened so you will be spending a long time thinking with no results 🙂 I will definitely be keeping you posted! xo
OMG! Congratulations! Okay I must know…are you speaking of the famous Babycakes LA? If so..we’ll be working side by side, I’m interning there over the summer!!!
I’m not going to Babycakes but girl, that is AWESOME for you! How fun would that have been if we were working together?? I’m moving down to Orange County–this is a cafe and bakery opening up. I will keep you updated on the details of when it’s opening 🙂 When do you start your internship?
Awww man! I got so excited! Oh well I’m sure you’ll be amazing and I will be visiting regularly when it opens. We still have to have our coffee date! I start my internship at the beginning of June, Babycakes Larchmont! Come stop by 🙂
Please come visit, yes! Plus you can drive now huh?? Woo-hoo! Coffee date is a must–I have NOT forgotten! I would absolutely love it and I cannot wait to see your behind the counter at BabyCakes 🙂
Yes, a licensed driver I am, with my own car as well 🙂 I know you’re crazy busy right now, but I haven’t forgotten either, I’ll come bearing gifts(baked good) 😉
This is so exciting…It’s great to hear you upbeat again (my heart was breaking).
Have loved all the donut posts! This one looks fantastic! I’m sure you’ve raised the productivity of every store/website selling mini donut pans all across the country hee! hee!
You go Girl!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXO
P.S. I haven’t been able to find quinoa around here! 🙁
Looks like someone will be getting quinoa for Mother’s Day 🙂 haha
Thanks for the love, mom. xo!
Wow congrats Cara! That is sooo amazing! Also one of my dreams too 🙂
Be sure to update us all on your fabulous new life and job. I know you’ll rock it!
Once you are done with school, I will swap places with you so I can go and you can take over my spot at the bakery 🙂
Deal!!
“Pain is not a punishment, pleasure is not a reward” – wow, there’s one to remember!
These donuts look seriously amazing (and yes, your title made me giggle!). Congratulations on getting such a wonderful job, as well – what a blessing! 🙂
A rather fascinating view of pain and pleasure, isn’t it?
That’s fantastic, Cara. Congratulations! Really awesome news. Great looking DOUGHNUTS… again 😛
More DONUTS just for you, Nick!
CONGRATS cara 🙂 tales like these make me inch my way closer to making the plunge myself, but im not quite sure thats its my time…yet…
but im wildly thrilled that youve been given the chance to pursue your passions. is this place somewhere i can visit daily from santa monica?? please say yes, please say yes.
It’s always about timing, right? God/the Universe/whatever you believe in always patiently waits for us before we are given an opportunity to step out in faith and courage. You’ll know when it’s your time. xo
And yes! You can come to Anaheim Hills (a bit of a drive, yes, but still some-what local) to visit 🙂
Gorgeous! And by the way…so exciting! Follow your bliss girl – and keep us all inspired! 🙂 xo
Follow your bliss.
Man, I need to hang out with you more so these phrases flow off of my tongue with ease like they do with you. I love that. Follow your bliss.
xo!
That’s awesome! The job and the donuts 😉
Was just thinking I’ve been “putting it out there” and maybe the universe has been teasing me with a little give and take. Hum…
Good luck!!
All in due time, right? Keeping waiting (what sucky advice, huh? ha) and do as Shira says: Follow your bliss. xo
What an amazing opportunity Cara, I am so happy for you and grining ear to ear!!!
YOU are going to ROCK at this – you know that right? 🙂
And for these donuts, they rock too!
Now I know, now that my awesome Heather just told me so 🙂 THANK YOU. You are an amazing friend to me. xo
Congrats Cara!!! Please let us know where, so we can come!!
THANK YOU! The place is in Anaheim Hills and will open this summer. Come! Come! Come!
Yay! Can’t wait to come check it out!
Awesomenessss! the donuts and the u with the baker hat!.. or shower cap or whatever they use:))) i am sooo happy for Youuu… u go girll and get those gf flours to work the magic! All the very best for all the baking! now u can also open an etsy store where all of us non tanned cal peeps can order some of your baked with love deliciousness!!
I want a hair net 🙂
*sidenote: When we finally meet you will realize that not all Californian residents are tan. ie: ME. I’m white as a ghost.
SQUEEEEE! Congratulations, lady!! I am so excited for you! Is this the place you linked on your facebook yesterday? Or can I not ask because it’s a giant secret? Are you going to have to kill me now? Can you kill me with donuts? Also, now I’m a little excited about death by donuts. squeee…
I will tie you up, blind fold you and place you in the firing squad where I will throw donuts at you until you pass out…
And yes, that is the place! I can hardly contain myself 🙂
And I will open my mouth and catch them all Homer style. Ahm…ahm…aaaahm…
AHEM loud cough Cough COUGH — if I had known this was really a big thing, I would have began my Cara Moves To Portland campaign long ago… we have MANY vegan/gluten free bakeries here (including one I have been talking with for months about their retail store opening soon…)
I am very happy you found your place, that you put that dream out there and it caught hold. giddy happy excited over here for you… and Basil just did a twirl when I said your name. now he thinks he’s getting a treat… 😉
Are you sick? You seem to have a tickle in your throat. haha.
Another reason why Portland is cooler than L.A. Nothing shocking there though, right? AND Portland has *you* and Basil…that’s 2 more reasons to move. Where was this campaign a week ago??? ha.
I heard Portland had a lot of birds…
Yes, it’s called art.
yes, many birds. don’t look up.
I know, DANG. well, there is always the guest room. the bed going in there is a tempurpedic, and it has a set of stairs so Basil can climb up there with you… 😀
it’s far enough away you can plan for it – Vida Vegan Con, the ONLY vegan blog conference? I attended the inaugural last summer, and the next one is May 2013. be there. it was SOOOOOOOO fun.
Absolutely! I just refuse to wait THAT long until I can sleep on the tempurpedic and cuddle with Basil… Maybe this summer?
weeeeee – lets do it! I am spending June in a fantastic vegan + raw immersion class, so after that I could make all kinds of wonderful for you! 😀
I want to go to that class!!! How fun is that? Let’s make it happen, sister. I will have to wait to see what my schedule will be like at work and let’s go from there…
awesome… let’s definitely plan it… unfortunately the class is small/full, or I would have told you to get up here for it! … also? watch WHEEL tonight… and tomorrow… all this week actually. we went to a lot. 😀
Oh god! I love these! I’m licking my computer screen right now which is really awkward since I’m at work and sit close enough to the front door to be caught on the security camera. I love you so much. I’m so proud of you for putting yourself out there.
Look out! You are collecting dust bunnies on your tongue now…
Thank you for the love, friend! I am so proud of the BOTH of us!! xo
I won’t say I’m jealous, as that implies some sort of resentment, but I will say I am so envious of your new adventure! You deserve all the success and happiness ever and the world needs to share in your talents. 😉
You should move to California and I can present to my bosses the fact that I am a twin package. If I’m hired, so must you be. They will totally buy it and you can not only work in a bakery but work with ME {then you would be so annoyed with the real-life Cara though…}
So excited for your new opportunity – awesome!!
Thank you Heather–much appreciated! xo
Yum 🙂 That glaze (icing) makes them look so good!
And TASTE super good too… Thanks Lilly Sue. xo!
I bet! I WANT some 🙂
Oh my lord- these look amazing! We just made your Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (so incredible!!!) this last weekend. It looks like we have another donut baking weekend in store for us very soon! And by the way, these look INSANE! Great photos! The new bakery is so lucky to have you! 🙂
Huzzah for donut making weekends. {Dude, I think I am slowly burning out…ha!} So glad to hear that you liked the Cinnamon Sugar ones–they really have been my favorite of all up to this point. Perfect with a cup of coffee (the twins are old enough for coffee, right? 🙂 )
wooHoo! Non-chocolate donuts. Sign me up 😀
And yay! (again) for the job!!
Consider yourself signed at the top of the list, sister!
Congrats on the new job! That’s awesome you were able to find something so perfect.
And, thanks for your encouraging words about throwing your desires into the Universe – I’m teetering on the brink of that myself right now. But, all to often it can be really scary and seem impossible.
I totally understand the fear and feelings of impossibility of it all, Sarah. My life literally just feel apart over a week ago–something I did not want to happen, let alone there were things that I was refusing to let go of. However once I did, the Universe started to put it all back to together in a way that I only thought existed in my dreams. Sending you courage and strength to let go of whatever you need to in order to receive it all 🙂 xo!
Can I get a WOOT WOOT! you da bomb! xoxo
WOOTIE WOOT!
And now I am even cooler with my amazing essential oils set. Can I get a WHIFF WHIFF of lavender! ha
It came?!? Radical!
Bitchin’ and Gnarly! hehehe. I love how you just said Radical. You are the best.
Ditto!
You have a great attitude. And it sounds like the job is perfect for you. No. I’m pretty sure it’s perfect for you. It sounds like heaven. And I’m very certain your employees have been given a gift as well, I can’t think of a more creative, enthusiastic baker…I’m sure they’ve been cheering wildly since you jumped into the game errr bowl.
Jumped into the bowl *giggling*
Aawwww Kelly, those were some super sweet, kind and encouraging words!! Man, how incredibly generous of you to say that–from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! xo
Woohoo! I am so stoked that you will be working in a gluten free and vegan bakery. What an amazing opportunity. SOO happy for you. Congratulations Cara. 😀
And as for “roll them ‘nuts”, Hehe! I adore cinnamon doughnuts. Thank you for more food porn.
Isn’t it an exciting opportunity? I can hardly believe it myself! You would think that living in southern California, places like these exist everywhere but they are so rare, in fact, it’s a restaurant AND bakery and that is the first for this area! Crazy huh?
Thank you for the love, Nina.
i’m so excited for your new job- you will be so awesome at it! i hope you can share with us your learning experiences and some of your work creations(even if it’s just pictures).
hooray!
ps- cinnamon donuts were ALWAYS a favorite of mine 😉
What I can’t wait for is for you to come visit me at my new place and I can take you there myself. How does THAT sound?
sounds like a plan! 😉
It’s always amazing what life can offer us sometimes. I recently left graduate school after I was offered a position opening up a vegan bakery in Maryland. It’s been a whirlwind ride! Congratulations!
Look at you! You have your own vegan bakery? How incredible is that, Shannon! Talk about making a decision that requires risk, trust and courage. I admire you. You are follow your dreams and are doing so bravely.