Hello Everyone!!! I’m Erin and I live in Williamsburg, VA, with my two little monsters/monkeys/babies/dogs...

...and my husband.

I am a butcher, a baker, a candlestick maker. Well not really, but sometimes it feels like it I spend my time experimenting with vegan cooking/baking (but I am not vegan), baking in general, listen/playing music, honing my cake decorating skills (I have been known to stab a cake or two), and you can more than likely catch me on my off days hanging out at Ellwood’s Coffee in Richmond drinking an Americano and reading a book.

How long have you been a Daring Baker/Daring Cook and what’s your favorite thing about being in the group(s) so far?

I have been a Daring Bakers for just over a year now and I have been a Daring Cook since the group was started a couple of months ago. My favorite thing about the groups is the anticipation when you are waiting to find out what the next challenge is. I loved to be challenged and I love trying new things so it is always a surprise when the challenges are finally posted. Did I use the word challenge enough?

Reading any good books lately? Which ones?!

I have read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and loved it and of course I own the BBC TV miniseries and the movie. But I recently read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I thought it was classic, funny, and loved it. I was very entertained how they twisted parts of the story line to include zombies. Most stuff is exactly like the original and they will change a few words, but some stuff just throws you for a loop and you have to know what happens next.

Are you known for making a certain dish or dessert? If so, what is it?

The dessert that usually gets requested the most is either Tiramisu or Key Lime Pie, both are very popular at family events and everyone loves them. However, I do get asked to make cupcakes a lot from my friends. My specialty is different types of vegan cupcakes, but sometimes they don’t know they are vegan

What is your favorite kitchen gadget? How about favorite kitchen appliance?

Gadget – my microplane. I couldn’t imagine zesting anything without it. Although I do catch myself every once in awhile and loose the end of a nail, but that is the price I pay for zesting too fast. Now my favorite appliance, I have no idea. Well, it might be my microwave because sometimes in a pinch when I have forgotten to soften butter or I don’t want to get the double boiler out to melt chocolate, it comes in very handy.

Do you have a favorite local restaurant? Is so, why is it your favorite and what kind of food is served there?

It really isn’t a restaurant. I guess I would call it my favorite coffee house/ hang out spot: Ellwood’s Coffee. The atmosphere is perfect. All of their drinks are organic and they offer everything from beer and wine to coffee and tea. They have a variety of food offering (wraps, muffins, scones, etc.) and most of it is vegan or vegetarian but there is always some meat for the omnis out there. I always feel at home there and they always make me a perfect Americano.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Anytime someone asks me this question I always say Chuck Norris and Walker Texas Ranger. I just can’t look away, and for some reason it can entertain me.

You’ve had a rough week. We feel your pain. How do you relax after a rough week?

More than likely I would go to yoga class to de-stress. Then got home to relax and drink some peach oolong tea and hang out with my two little monsters aka dogs (Theoden and Eomer). Yes, they are named after Lord of the Rings characters.

What is the ultimate comfort food to you?

I am going to have to go with homemade macaroni and cheese. It is extremely yummy. I remember the first time I made it from scratch back in college, my roommate asked me to make it for her and I gave it a try and it was love at first bite.

Which season (Winter, Summer, Spring, Fall) is your favorite.. why?

Fall because I am actually now in an area where there are four seasons and not two like in Houston, TX (hot or hotter with a little humidity added in). When it starts to get cool and then the leaves start to turn. It just looks so beautiful especially if you can get up in the mountains around Blacksburg, VA. It is perfect weather to sit outside and drink some tea or coffee. Oh, and lets not forget all the different types of food associated with the fall and Thanksgiving (if your in the States). Ever since September hit all I can think of is I can’t wait to cook Thanksgiving Dinner. I am already planning the menu in my head, and of course I cook enough to feed a small army and there are only two of us

Who taught you how to cook and/or bake?

No one specific person taught me how to cook. I remember watching my father cook all the time when I was a kid and mom would always pop in the kitchen around holidays. I guess I really learned by watching my parents and then trying things on my own when I moved out.

You can visit Erin on her blog When in Doubt...Leave it at 350