Hello Daring Bakers! My name is Lisa. I’m vegan, a runner, a social worker...

...an activist, and an avid collector of cookbooks! Since moving to Toronto I have created and hosted two annual, Total Fabulous Vegan Bake-Offs (that what I’m doing in the attached photo).

What’s your favorite kitchen gadget? How about your favorite kitchen appliance?

As someone who eschews processed foods, you may be surprised by my admiration for my food processor. It can make ice cream out of frozen fruit, creamy dips from nuts and beans, pie crusts in seconds and laborious slaws in mere minutes. It isn’t into cuddling but otherwise it is an excellent kitchen companion.

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

These days, I’m probably best known for creating decadent raw desserts. I have a number of friends and family members who are working hard to improve their health by reevaluating their diet and lifestyle. To support their efforts, I often show up with a bounty of health promoting concoctions that leave out common allergens, flours and refined sugar. This habit has helped to keep my social calendar full with party and potluck invitations.

What is the ultimate comfort food to you?

When I think of comfort food the aroma of cinnamon and ginger immediately come to mind. While both of these spices are wonderful additions to our diets because of the physical benefits they provide, I find them emotionally nurturing as well. A bowl of carrot ginger soup or apple cinnamon oatmeal warms both my body and my soul.

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

Although I love the bounty of beautiful berries, peaches and apricots of summer, the special spices we celebrate in fall make it my favourite season. The anticipation of apple crisps, pumpkin pie and ginger pear tarts softens the loss of leaving behind the hot hazy days of summer.

Other than cooking and/or baking.. what hobbies do you enjoy?

I have an insatiable curiosity. I am always searching for the next thing to learn and explore. I am runner, I enjoy bikram yoga and trying new ways to stay active. I have recently become enamoured with photography. This year I plan to train for a 30km race, improve my swimming stroke and capture beautiful photographs of adventures in my neighbourhood and on the other side of the planet.

How long have you been blogging? Do you like it? What’s your favorite post you’ve written?

I have been blogging for just over two years and I still love it. It has been an amazing way to find like-minded friends from around the world who shares you passions, provide support through challenges and introduce you to new ingredients and ideas.

Where is your favorite vacation (holiday) destination?

I’ve been a bit of a homebody lately but I’m hoping to rectify that this fall with a trip to Thailand. I can’t wait to taste the exotic tropical fruits. I plan to take some cooking classes in Chiang Mai and spend days eating fresh papaya on the beach.

You can visit Lisa on her blog Vegan Cookbook Critic