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FAIRFIELD, Conn. One could use many different labels to describe Hannah Kaminsky: food blogger, cookbook author and photographer, to name a few. But what might be most remarkable about the Fairfield native is the label shes close to eliminating: college student.
The 22-year-old Kaminsky is the creator of "Bitter Sweet," a blog dedicated to sharing vegan recipes and tips for chefs new to the lifestyle. The website has gained enough attention that publishers approached her to pen two cookbooks, "My Sweet Vegan" and "Vegan Desserts," with a third on the way.
Yet Kaminsky is still earning her degree in photography from the University of Massachusetts. Im basically on the 10- or 20-year plan at this point, she jokes.
Kaminsky dove into vegan cuisine in a sink-or-swim fashion at the age of 14. When she decided to switch to a diet free of animal products, her parents were supportiveto a point. They posed no objections, but insisted that she prepare her own meals.
Theyve always been supportive, Kaminsky said. As long as I can make my own food.
Fending for herself led to experimentation, which led to the blog, which led to the book deal. Along the way shes picked up some tricks to deal with the challenges of making desserts without eggs or milk. For example, flax seed and water works well as an egg replacement, and apple cider vinegar helps keep cakes moist without using milk. Just a tablespoon will make a world of difference, she says.
Though Kaminsky has established herself as a chef, she says her deeper passion is photography. She took all the photos of her finished products that appear in her books and on her blog. Shes also taken on freelance work. I just love taking pictures of food, she says.
As for what the future holds, thats a question not even she can answer just yet. Jobs keep falling into my lap, and Ive been very lucky, she says. Im basically just waiting to see what else will come.
Do you know of other Fairfielders who have made a name for themselves? Send story suggestions to gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.
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