Cashew & Blueberry Frosted Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache

Seven years ago was a very pivotal and difficult time in my life.  Does anyone look back on specific time period and it's just darkness with an overwhelming feeling of depressing?  Those are my memories from seven years ago.  But, there was one shining light during that time.  It was my friend, Lora.

Lora and I met at the beginning of that year when she started working with me at a local frame shop.  Immediately, we realized how much we had in common and instantly became friends.  She was an artist who had just finished college with a degree in art, and was taking a year(or two) off to work on her portfolio before going to an exclusive art school in the city.  Her family also ate a very plant-based diet, with her brother being a vegan.  Essentially, it was love at first site.

Lora accompanied me on many trips to the Met with my various classes for school.  During her art school education, I would go to whatever event she had.  She is the most talented person I know and you can view her artwork on her blog The Artwork of Lora Banks.

We are constantly looking for fun things to do together, usually with the overarching theme of art, the outdoors, and vegan food.  I could literally ask Lora to do anything with me and she would enthusiastically say, "Yes!!"

Lora has also been the friend that I confide in during my most difficult times.  She has so much love and wisdom, is never judgmental, and always has something insightful and heartwarming to say.  She is truly an angel on earth. 

At the end of July, Lora traveled down to South Carolina to take care of her newborn nephew for a year.  Being the selfless individual she is, she was able to take a break from her studies and relocate to help out her sister and brother-in-law.  I made Lora and her vegan brother these cupcakes for their car trip down south and gave them to her on the night we tearfully said goodbye for a year.  It has all the best things- chocolate, ganache, cashew cream, and blueberries.  Only the best for Lora. 

Lora and I always say, "I'll see you next week!" when talking on the phone or in emails.  It makes me feel better. 

I love you, Lora.  See you next week <3

Cashew & Blueberry Frosted Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache
makes twelve
12 chocolate cupcakes
1 batch of chocolate ganache

1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
1 tbsp agave
1/2 tsp vanilla

blueberries

Make cupcakes.  Allow to cool.  Once cupcakes have cooled, dip the tops in the prepared ganache.  Allow the ganache to dry.

Combine cashews, agave, and vanilla in a food processor.  Process until smooth.  Transfer to piping bag.  Pipe onto ganache topped cupcakes.  Top with blueberries.  Give to a very special person in your life.  Enjoy!