We discovered Sunn Cafe while visiting Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.

This cave has some of the oldest formations in the Midwest, some caverns up to two stories tall! There is even a part so deep that there’s no cell signal.

Near the caves was a little town called Mount Horeb (about 30 minutes from Madison)., as we drove in, we noticed Trolls adorning every shop and restaurant.

Mount Horeb is known as the Troll Capital of the World — and for good reason. More than 40 hand-made troll sculptures line the streets of this small Wisconsin village, earning its main drag the nickname the Trollway. Rooted in the town's deep Norwegian heritage, each troll is a one-of-a-kind work of folk art, carved by local and regional artists and steeped in Scandinavian folklore.

Legend has it that, in 1939, when the Cave of the Mounds was discovered on the Brigham Farm in neighboring Blue Mounds, the earth opened up, and trolls sprang forth! They made their way to Mount Horeb and quickly fell in love with the jewels and gems of this community – the beauty of the rolling hills, the fertile soil, their unique small businesses, and friendly residents. They liked Mount Horeb so well that they settled there and now stand guard over the gems that continue to make the community special to this day.

Sunn Cafe is one of those gems. We were searching on Happy Cow, and it had a good-looking menu, coffee options and local kombucha. We arrived at the quant space and ordered our gluten-free and vegan items (sandwiches, deli salads and desserts) and the chef came out of the kitchen to chat with us. “We just got in a new vegan cheese, and you’re going to love it!” she said.

She was talking about Violife cheese (now a staple in our fridge) and Sunn Cafe is one of the few restaurants where we’ve found it! And she was right. The food was spectacular! The flavors meld so well with yummy cold salads like sesame noodles and chickpea salad. but honestly, I would go there just for the lemon bars which are out of this world!

Recommended for all weary travelers and amateur spelunkers alike :) Sunn Cafe is a true destination spot.

Baking for your Mom can be a great way to show your love. This recipe for banana bread is grain-free and gluten-free, and can also be made with zucchini for those health-conscious Mom’s out there :)

This bread is based on the Zucchini Bread recipe in “The Plantpower Way” by Rich Roll & Julie Piatt. You can use a mix of 6 tablespoons ground flax seeds and 1/2 cup water in place of the eggs for a vegan version.

2 eggs
1 small apple
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup coconut oil
5 dates
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 - 4 frozen or fresh bananas, or medium zucchini
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 tablespoon baking powder
Flour mix: * 3 cups of premixed gluten-free flour can also be used
1 1/2 cup cassava flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup arrowroot
1/4 coconut flour
1 teaspoon Pamela’s gum-free baking binder *optional
Spices
1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Place eggs in food processor
Slice apple and blend with eggs and 1/4 cup water
Add dates, sugar, vanilla and bananas and blend
In a separate bowl, sift or mix together baking soda, baking powder, flours, spices and Pamela’s baking binder (if using)
Fold into the wet mixture (or just blend it in with the food processor)
Bake in the oven for 50-55 minutes in a baking pan (shorter time for muffins - start at 20 minutes and test for doneness)
Enjoy your homemade banana bread!