By Callie McBride
On Saturday, March 31, Moo Shoes had an awesome event going on: Doron Peterson, winner of the Food Network’s 2010 Cupcake Wars, was there signing copies of her newest cookbook, Sticky Fingers’ Sweets. Yes, vegan cupcakes made a delicious appearance. I cannot think of a better place to snack and chat with an award-winning vegan baker than in a store surrounded by vegan bags, belts, and shoes upon shoes!
A gorgeous display of colorful Big Buddha purses sat alongside Petersan’s equally bright book.
Before speaking with the Cupcakes War winner herself, I had to quickly peruse all of the vegan goods.
Onto to the real goods…chocolate cashew cream cupcakes! That’s some tasty alliteration.
Petersan’s D.C Bakery Sticky Fingers has expanded to selling wholesale products-here are its brownies and whoopie pies!
Doron signed the day away and chatted with each fan who met with her. She is so sweet and has the most hilarious, dry sense of humor.
I asked her about her background, her baking, and her thoughts on expanding Sticky Fingers. Here’s the dish: she went to school for dietetics and nutrition due to an interest in food science; she and her “poor college friends” experimented a ton in the kitchen which led her to create her unique and flavorful vegan recipes; her treats aren’t necessarily healthy, but, according to her, flavor is all that matters! I agreed, especially as I dove mouth-first into a cashew cream cupcake.
Ayinde feels like cupcakes are the “gateway to veganism.” I asked Doron’s thoughts on this, and her response was spot on. “That’s kind of our gimmick, because we started with cupcakes. It’s been proven time and again that vegan cupcakes can be done well. Of course, tofu and seitan sandwiches are delicious, but a non-vegan might not think so. But hand them a vegan cupcake, and they can’t resist. So, I agree!”
A big thanks to Moo Shoes for hosting such a fun event, and to Doran for giving me great baking advice and an even greater afternoon treat!
