vvvanessa

We all know when vvvanessa has entered one of her "baking fits" because a bounty of beautiful baked goods emerges. Whether she's updating classics (check out her delectable Maple Persimmon Upside-Down Cake with Maple Cream, pictured above) or creating new ones (how did we live without her aptly named Pink Poodle Pizza?), vvvanessa has a talent for creating seasonal sweet and savory dishes. Having trouble deciding on a menu for your New Year's Eve party? We'd happily nosh on her sultry Boozy Belly Pumpkin Cupcakes accompanied by a Gingerbread Toddy toast.

A former vegetarian, Vvvanessa is also a master of meatless gourmet -- have you tried her good-on-everything Garbanzo Gravy, hearty Avena con Champiñones (Barcelona-style Oats with Mushrooms), or addictive Chaat Masala Mixed Nuts? It's a good thing this talented cook is a barkeep, too, because those salty-sweet nuts will have you reaching for a thirst-quencher. Take a page from our book and keep a pitcher of her winning (and spice-friendly) Mint Limeade close by.

For more of vvvanessa's delicious recipes, see her profile page and fan her here (and check out her blog the beet goes on).

Read vvvanessa's profile Q&A below:

What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
Chocolate-covered ants. Or maybe an egg mcmuffin.

What do you cook when home alone?
Toast, spanish-style: rubbed with raw garlic, spread with tomato innards, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt.

Your most treasured kitchen possession:
For its utility, my kitchen scale. For sentimentality, my shiny gelato spoons.

Your ideal meal:
Bread, cheese, salumi, olives, fruit.

The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
However many show up.

Kitchen pet peeve:
When people decide they don't like a dish before they try it.

Your favorite cookbook:
"The Cake Bible" by Rose Levy Beranbaum helped me save face after a terrible cake incident. I am forever indebted to her and it.