I love to cook...or, more accurately, I hate to cook, but I serve interesting tastes and textures when I dine. And I especially love easy party recipes that allow me to spend time with my company rather than be a slave to a hot stove.

Is it any wonder that I'm a fan of raw foods? They're simple to prepare and are always a hit with guests...especially those who have been craving vegan dessert recipes, gluten-free desserts, and raw food recipes that are sweet rather than savory.

When Your Party is SRO (Standing Room Only)

Many of my friends love to entertain as much as I do, but many of them live in modest-sized apartments with small kitchens. They can't do a lot of cooking and they can't accommodate a large group for a sit down dinner. When they ask my advice on a good solution to their problem, my answer is simple:

Throw a raw food dessert tasting party and serve your guests a sampler of sweets:

Raw for Dessert

I've never been to a party where the guests weren't eager to know, "What's for dessert?" So it was important to me to include sweets as part of my raw recipe repertoire. And since I know people who have wheat allergies, I wanted to create gluten-free recipes and vegan desserts that everyone would enjoy.

Doing research for my new book Raw for Dessert, I learned some amazing techniques that I use to transform simple, pantry ingredients into sophisticated, one-bite delicacies that are a perfect way to end an elegant meal.

• Stuffed Dates
• Chocolate Truffles
• Blondie Cashew Freezer Fudge
• Chocolate Candy Cups

Any one of these candies makes for a show-stopping dessert. Who would have thought that vegan desserts and gluten-free desserts could be so delicious?!

But if you really want to bring the house down, imagine a party with all these treats on the menu.

With my Raw for Dessert recipes, a raw food desserts tasting party couldn't be easier...or more fun. Here's a sample:

Blondie Cashew Freezer Fudge

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw cashew butter
• 2/3 cup dark agave syrup or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped

Directions

• Place the cashew butter, agave syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor and process until smooth.
• Add the cashews and pulse just until mixed.
• Press the mixture into an 8-inch glass baking dish.
• Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Cut into squares.

Stored in a sealed container in the freezer, Blondie Cashew Freezer Fudge will keep for 3 months.

Enjoy!