Whole Foods Desserts in the Northern Neck

I receive a lot of feedback from my recipes, but I haven’t posted many from my whole food, plant based menu so I’ve decided to include a few.  Here’s a great recipe for gatherings, or for parents who bake for their children’s school birthdays or bake sales, but don’t want to impose their own lifestyle choices on others. 

All of my ingredients are organic, and sustainably grown when possible.

2 1/3 cups all purpose flour (Use King Arthur brand and I’ll tell you why some other time)

1 Tbl baking powder

1 Tsp Baking soda

¾ teaspoon salt

2 Tsp ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 cup pineapple juice

½ cup canola oil

¾ cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts (pecans, walnuts. . .you choose)

¼ cup shredded ginger

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

2 cups grated carrots

I sift together all of the dry ingredients.  Then I add all of the wet ingredients while mixing at a slow speed in my Kitchenaid.  I fold the fruits and nuts last and dump everything into the pan I’m baking with at 350^o for 40-45 mins.  For cupcakes, halve the time.  I frost with a coconut icing I make with confectioners sugar and water.  If you don’t mind dairy, this is awesome with cream cheese icing as well.

 You can find most of the things you need at the Food Lion in Heathsville.  They have an awesome whole foods/organic section that is getting bigger all the time.  Remember to vote with your wallet and the stores will respond.  For more difficult items I visit Higher Foods on Main Street in Kilmarnock or the new Organic Health Foods in Callao.  There isn’t much available for a whole foods diet in Reedville or Burgess after the small produce stands close up for the summer.  Remember Olin Fox Farms has a year long co-op program and they are adding honey and goats milk. 

If you need any help, email me and I’ll send you my substitutes or other secrets. Good Luck.  Enjoy!