Apple-Maple Bundt Cake

Apple-Maple Bundt Cake

When your apples have seen better days… bake a cake.

I recently created a recipe that became a new family recipe of ours. It was instantly personal… a recipe that had evoked memories, tears, and emotions. I named it the Apple Darlin’ – after Seth’s Pop-Pop’s nickname. I never posted it since that recipe became one of our personals. But I still wanted to create a blog post using apples with this delicious maple syrup that our youngest son brought home. He had gone to Vermont for vacation over the summer and surprised us with this Vermont Maple Syrup when he returned.  
So, I began running through ideas in my mind before deciding to create this cake. My first thought was to make apple fritters, but I had just made pancakes for breakfast… and honestly, I was not in the mood to stand at the stove again, this time to fry up some fritters, lol. Plus, I love making those cakes that you can eat for breakfast or dessert 😊. Also, when I realized that my Bundt pan was not packed away, I exclaimed…it was meant to be.
This cake is moist and flavorful. It will go great with coffee or alone as a dessert.

Ingredients:
3 Granny Smith Apples, peeled/cored and diced
1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
1/3 Cup Raw Cane Sugar
1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup (1/2 stick) Earth Balance Butter
1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 Cup Applesauce
1/3 Cup Canola oil
1/2 Cup Warm Water
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Powdered sugar for topping, optional

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a Bundt pan with Earth Balance (vegan butter) plus a dusting of flour (remove excess flour), or you can just use cooking/baking spray, if you prefer.
-In a small saucepan, combine apples, brown/cane sugar, maple syrup, earth balance and cinnamon. Heat over medium and cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.


-In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients for the cake together: flour, baking powder, salt, vinegar, applesauce, oil, water, and vanilla. Stir together to combine.

Note: This cake batter may look thick as you are mixing, but don’t worry; once you add the apples it will balance out the moisture.  
-Next, add the apple mixture from the saucepan into the cake batter and stir together to combine.

-Pour cake mixture into Bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes at 350. After 45 minutes, check the cake with a toothpick to be sure it comes out clean.
Bundt cakes are tricky like that, if it is not baked all the way through, it will collapse.
-Allow the cake to cool for 20-30 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

When you let the cake cool while still in the Bundt pan first, before inverting it, it helps for it to firm up.
-Lightly dust with powdered sugar to top or leave as is like pictured below.

Enjoy!

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

God, may you bless and always protect our daughters. Thank you Lord for Megan, Hailey, and Jasmine. We recognize them not only on this National Daughter’s Day, but every day. Daily you occupy our hearts, prayers and thus our home. We love you ladies, and you are each truly a blessing to us. We are so proud of each of you. Our love will endure forever. Love always.

Apple-Maple Bundt Cake

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:
3 Granny Smith Apples, peeled/cored and diced
1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
1/3 Cup Raw Cane Sugar
1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup (1/2 stick) Earth Balance Butter
1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 Cup Applesauce
1/3 Cup Canola oil
1/2 Cup Warm Water
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Powdered sugar for topping, optional

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a Bundt pan with Earth Balance (vegan butter) plus a dusting of flour (remove excess flour), or you can just use cooking/baking spray, if you prefer.
-In a small saucepan, combine apples, brown/cane sugar, maple syrup, earth balance and cinnamon. Heat over medium and cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.
-In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients for the cake together: flour, baking powder, salt, vinegar, applesauce, oil, water, and vanilla. Stir together to combine.
Note: This cake batter may look thick as you are mixing, but don’t worry; once you add the apples it will balance out the moisture.
-Next, add the apple mixture from the saucepan into the cake batter and stir together to combine.
-Pour cake mixture into Bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes at 350. After 45 minutes, check the cake with a toothpick to be sure it comes out clean.
Bundt cakes are tricky like that, if it is not baked all the way through, it will collapse.
-Allow the cake to cool for 20-30 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
When you let the cake cool while still in the Bundt pan first, before inverting it, it helps for it to firm up.
-Lightly dust with powdered sugar to top.
Enjoy!

Advertisement

Watermelon-Berry & Watercress Salad

Watermelon, Berry & Watercress Salad

I promise you; this fruit salad is Berry Berry Good!
We recently returned from a trip to North Carolina, and I definitely felt the need to detox. It is so easy to eat bad and fill up on junk foods when you are traveling.

This salad is so refreshing and packed with flavor. The berries alone are loaded with antioxidants, and still – I kicked it up a notch …with Watercress! Watercress has a peppery flavor to it, which pops so perfectly in this fruit salad. These leafy greens are a powerful antioxidant and packed with many minerals and vitamins (they’re also known to lower blood pressure). It is nutrient rich with Vitamins A, C, K, and is also Calcium rich.

The peppery flavor of the watercress, coupled with the fresh, earthiness of the basil and mint brings this recipe home. The lemon pops too, and any good salad dressing has a balance of fat and acid, so I chose coconut oil as the fat for its flavor.

Enjoy!


Ingredients:
1 Watermelon (small), seeded / cubed (reserve 1-2 cups for dressing)
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blackberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blueberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Raspberries
4oz Fresh Watercress

Dressing:
1 handful fresh Mint (about 1/4 cup)
1 handful fresh Basil (about 1/4 cup)
2 Lemons, juice/zest (about 1/4 cup)
1-2 Cups of Watermelon cubes
2-3 Tbsp Agave or Honey (raw)
2 Tbsp Coconut oil, softened or melted

Directions:
-Reserve about 1-2 Tbsp of the Mint, Basil, Lemon zest for garnish.
-Cube watermelon and rinse berries, then mix to combine. Add watercress before serving.
-Blend dressing ingredients together to combine and set aside.

Note: This recipe stored in a 1.5-gallon storage container. I mixed the berries and watermelon together and topped with the watercress but I added paper towel and did not mix in the watercress to avoid wilting. I also stored the dressing in a separate container and mixed all to serve.  

Enjoy!

Watermelon-Berry Watercress Salad

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:
1 Watermelon (small), seeded / cubed (reserve 1-2 cups for dressing)
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blackberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blueberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Raspberries
4oz Fresh Watercress

Dressing:
1 handful fresh Mint (about 1/4 cup)
1 handful fresh Basil (about 1/4 cup)
2 Lemons, juice/zest (about 1/4 cup)
1-2 Cups of Watermelon cubes
2-3 Tbsp Agave or Honey (raw)
2 Tbsp Coconut oil, softened or melted

Directions:
-Reserve about 1-2 Tbsp of the Mint, Basil, Lemon zest for garnish.
-Cube watermelon and rinse berries, then mix to combine. Add watercress before serving.
-Blend dressing ingredients together to combine and set aside.

Enjoy!

Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

May!!! Hello May…whew, this year is just moving right along.
Happy Sunday friends. These blueberry scones are delish! I wanted to make something simple, yet different for breakfast this morning. And I thought of scones, because they go great with coffee and are very easy to make. Scones are like biscuits in texture and ease, these are also not overly sweet. The addition of glaze and blueberries, keeps the moisture just right and adds the right amount of sweetness. Tastes like springtime. Enjoy!   

Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Ingredients:
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/3 Cup Earth Balance, cold
3/4 Cup Soy Milk + 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Frozen Blueberries

Lemon Glaze:
1 Cup Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Directions:
-Preheat oven 400 degrees and coat your cast iron skillet with butter. If you are using a cake pan, line with parchment paper or butter/flour the pan.
-Mix the tablespoon of lemon juice into the soymilk and set aside to create the buttermilk.
-Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk all these ingredients together.
-Next, cut in vegan butter. You can use your fingers in this step and work the butter into the flour mixture.  You can continue using the whisk and mash the Earth Balance throughout the flour mixture, or you can use your fingers.
-Stir in the soy milk/lemon juice “buttermilk” and vanilla extract into the flour mixture.
-Combine ingredients together without overworking the dough. It is okay if mixture seems dry.
-Place a piece of parchment paper or lightly flour a cutting board. Then, turn out your dough mixture onto a cutting board.
-Gently pat and shape your dough into a circle that is about 1 ½ inches thick. I find using the parchment paper itself to shape the dough works best, because it doesn’t stick.
-Cut the dough into eight (8) equal parts or wedges. Then place into your buttered skillet.
-Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside, allowing it to cool.
-While the scones are cooling, prepare your glaze.
-Combine the confectioner’s/powdered sugar with the two tablespoons of lemon juice and whisk together until smooth.

Notes:
-I measure out the Earth Balance first onto a plate and place in the freezer, while I gather all my other ingredients and get everything out and prepped.
-If you are using a food processor, pulse together the dry ingredients first into the flour mixture. Then, pulse in the cold Earth Balance.
-Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Or store them in the fridge for up to five days.

Details with pictures…

Ingredients:
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/3 Cup Earth Balance, cold
3/4 Cup Soy Milk + 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Frozen Blueberries

Lemon Glaze:

1 Cup Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Directions:
-Preheat oven 400 degrees and coat your cast iron skillet with butter. If you are using a cake pan, line with parchment paper or butter/flour the pan.
-Mix the tablespoon of lemon juice into the soymilk and set aside to create the buttermilk.

-Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk all these ingredients together.
-Next, cut in vegan butter. You can use your fingers in this step and work the butter into the flour mixture.  You can continue using the whisk and mash the Earth Balance throughout the flour mixture, or you can use your fingers.
-Stir in the soy milk/lemon juice “buttermilk” and vanilla extract into the flour mixture.

-Combine ingredients together without overworking the dough and incorporate the blueberries. It is okay if mixture seems dry.

-Place a piece of parchment paper or lightly flour a cutting board. Then, turn out your dough mixture onto a cutting board.

-Gently pat and shape your dough into a circle that is about 1 ½ inches thick.

-I find using the parchment paper itself to shape the dough works best, because it doesn’t stick.
-Cut the dough into eight (8) equal parts or wedges. Then place into your buttered skillet.

-Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside, allowing it to cool.
-While the scones are cooling, prepare your glaze.
-Combine the confectioner’s/powdered sugar with the two tablespoons of lemon juice and whisk together until smooth.

Notes:
-I measure out the Earth Balance first onto a plate and place in the freezer, while I gather all my other ingredients and get everything out and prepped. Also, sometimes I putz around in the kitchen. So, while I’m pulling distracted or talking with my family – I want to be sure the Earth Balance remains as cold as possible.

-If you are using a food processor, pulse together the dry ingredients first into the flour mixture. Then, pulse in the cold Earth Balance. -Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Or store them in the fridge for up to five days.

Enjoy!

He calls me Juice…

Healthy Juice Cleanse – Carrot, Orange, Ginger, Radish, Lemon

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Healthy Juice Cleanse – (Serves 2) ~ Vegan, Raw, Gluten-Free
Credit: veganrescue.com

Ingredients:
5-6 Medium/Large Carrots, topped
1 Radish, topped
2 Navel Oranges, peeled
½ inch piece of Fresh Ginger, peeled
¼ Grated Frozen Lemon

Directions:
-Grate the frozen lemon with the zester side of grater. I place into the bottom of the cup. Juice all the other ingredients, stir together and enjoy!

While I have plans to revive Vegan Rescue with new recipes, I’m excited to be working on some new projects. I’m working on adding some devotionals, if not on a sister site, I will incorporate here.

Love and Truth

As I was ironing my husband’s clothes I was in deep thought. Naturally I began thinking about him. To be in love and blessed. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. Thank you, God. God has been with us and has blessed us since the beginning. It is because of His true love that I can share this devotional. 

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV)

Everybody who knows us personally has been a witness to our love for one another. We share a deep, penetrating love. It will be 13 years since my surrender to love… see, I fell hard in love with Seth from the beginning –the very moment we began dating. A powerful love that continues to intensify. I generally enjoy reminiscing. Often reflecting on my journey. There is nothing like being reminded of why and how you fell in love. I live in this feeling, falling further in love each day. There is growth in pain, so I often think about the life scars from our past that we also carry. But to maintain love and relationships, you must live in truth. Living my life in truth and honesty, balanced with love and loyalty…best traits I could have received from my parents. Qualities carried with me in life as a mother, wife, and friend.

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit… (1 Peter 3:10 ESV)

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19 ESV)

This love, this true love we share in our marriage will endure forever, because it lives in truth. God has shown us good days through His grace because He aligned our walk. Our truth revealed to us, that those scars from our past were created by liars. The narcissistic kind whose life now reflects their own fabricated lies. We realize that those real lies were toxic and damaged the most innocent relationships. Yet through it, your love remains boundless and endures. I wish I could repair those damaged parts of your heart. Who wouldn’t rather live in love and truth?

Cherish relationships.
Live in truth. Be honest.
Allow love to elevate and transcend.
Always appreciate what you have. Appreciate life. Experience life. Be grateful.


To Seth-
My husband, I’m grateful to be your wife. I know your heart. I know your truth. I know only good things can be said about such a loving and compassionate man. God has blessed us to never bicker or hate. No arguments, screams or fights –not ever. Your love and passion penetrate my inner core. You have always been kind, honorable and chivalrous. You are a true gentleman, which is so refreshing. You are generous in every way possible…especially the ravaging ways. Thank you for always making me feel loved and wanted. Thank you for just being you. I appreciate you. I know you are happy with me by the way you make me laugh and smile. You are always loving and devoted. I love you, always. I respect and honor you.

As light does not fellowship with darkness, let us continue in our walk with Christ. May we emanate love in light as an example for others.

                        -Your devoted wife, Juice

Live your life in Love. Align your walk with Christ.

Vegan Pound Cake!

Vegan Pound Cake
(Serves 8-10) ~ Vegan

20180903_121313a

With the holiday season fast approaching (it always seems to sneak up on us), treat yourself! Let’s be honest – we seem to do less dieting and exercising during this time of year. With that said, they call it pound cake for a reason. This cake has lots of love and makes a great breakfast. Try a slice with a cup of coffee while you’re preparing Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner and enjoy. This cake is extremely moist, rich and satisfying without cholesterol. Pound it!

20180903_122000a

Ingredients:

3 ½ Cups All-purpose Flour
2 Cups Vegan Butter (Earth Balance) or 1 lb, softened
2 Cups Sugar
1 ½ Tsp Baking Powder
½ Tsp Baking Soda
½ Cup Apple Sauce
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Salt
1 ½ Cup Soy Milk + 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions:

-Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
-Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Soy Milk and set aside to create buttermilk.
-In another bowl, combine dry ingredients and whisk or mix together.
-Add in Earth Balance (Butter), Vanilla, Applesauce and stir together to combine.

20180903_104608a
-Last stir in milk mixture and combine, do not overmix.

20180903_104746a
-Grease loaf pan with Earth Balance/Flour or vegan cooking spray if you prefer. I used a 1.5-quart glass loaf dish.
-Add mixture to prepared loaf dish and bake for 1 hour.

20180903_105208a

Check with a toothpick, be sure it comes out clean. Enjoy!

20180903_115331a

Vegan Pound Cake

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

3 ½ Cups All-purpose Flour
2 Cups Vegan Butter (Earth Balance) or 1 lb
2 Cups Sugar
1 ½ Tsp Baking Powder
½ Tsp Baking Soda
½ Cup Apple Sauce
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Salt
1 ½ Cup Soy Milk + 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions:

-Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
-Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Soy Milk and set aside to create buttermilk.
-In another bowl, combine dry ingredients and whisk or mix together.
-Add in Earth Balance (Butter), Vanilla, Applesauce and stir together to combine.
-Last stir in milk mixture and combine, do not overmix.
-Grease loaf pan with Earth Balance/Flour or vegan cooking spray if you prefer. I used a 1.5-quart glass loaf dish.
-Add mixture to prepared loaf dish and bake for 1 hour. Check with a toothpick, be sure it comes out clean. Enjoy!

Simple Berry Smoothies

Simple Berry Smoothies
(Serves 4) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Raw, Soy-Free

img_1157

Umm… Happy New Year! Is that inappropriate since it’s now the 20th? Well, maybe not since this is the first time I’m saying hello for the New Year. What a blur it’s been since my last post. Life, right?

I ran into a woman at the grocery store this evening, which may have prompted this very post. As I’m walking up to the natural section, there is a woman standing there. She reaches for the Daiya cheese then hesitates and placed it back. I walked up and grabbed the Daiya and also the Better than Sour Cream because it’s taco night tonight! After watching me grab the cheese she then asks if it was any good. I replied and then proceeded to rattle off several other products I thought were good! I’m pointing and grabbing: So Delicious – yogurts, Vegenaise (mayo), Earth Balance (butter) and all the ice creams that are available! She may have thought I was a bit crazed given how hyper I quickly became on the subject. Hey it’s not every day I run into someone in person that is actually interested in vegan food or food products. She said her church was trying out veganism this month; to which I exclaimed Veganuary!?! She said yes and thanked me. I let her know about this blog and went on my way. Sometimes it’s the little things or rather the chance encounters that spark or motivate. Happy New Year and Happy Veganuary all! Make it another great one. As always… enjoy! The smoothie, of course. 😋

I love serving these in stemless wine glasses…
img_1160

Ingredients:
3 Cups Frozen Berries (I used a mixture of Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries and Blackberries)
½ Cup Orange Juice
2 Cups Almond Milk (I used my favorite Almond/Coconut Blend)
2 Tbsp Honey or Agave Nectar
Handful of ice, optional (depending on if using fresh or frozen fruits)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in blender or high-speed blender (like a Nutribullet or Ninja).
img_1152

Cinnamon Rolls (Buns)

Cinnamon Rolls (Buns)
(Makes about 18-19 rolls) ~ Vegan

img_0769

A Labor of Love
I made this recipe to redeem myself. Why? Because the birthday cake I made for myself a little over a week ago was a disaster. This recipe also began kind of rough – I had to save it. Guess I’m rusty from not blogging or creating these last couple of months. We have been experiencing a wave of quick recipes in our home, lots of: rice/beans, mashed potatoes, pastas, veggies and meatless products (i.e. Gardein/Tofurky) – our convenience foods.
About my birthday cake… It was rather laughable. The original recipe I had written out turned out very liquidy or smoothie-like. So I tried to save it but the result was a dry sponge. We joked so much at the table as we tried to eat it. We wondered if we could cut the cake into slices and wash the dishes with it or wipe down the counters with that cake. Hehe. The next day I made a vegan pudding and broke up/crumbled the cake and layered it into a trifle.
Saving the cinnamon bun: Make sure you gradually add the flour and/or reserve a portion for flouring the surface. I made the mistake initially by only reserving about 2 Tbsp to flour my surface. Quick Tip: If you add too much flour and your ball of dough as you’re kneading becomes rough just add a bit more liquid or in my case honey! Honey is a great way to bring your ball of dough back to life.

img_0755

Ingredients:
Yeast/Flour Mixture (#1):
1 Pkg Active Dry Yeast
¼ Cup Warm Water
¼ Tsp Sugar
#2
¾ Cup Non-Dairy Milk (I used almond/coconut blend)
1/3 Cup Sugar
½ Cup Earth Balance (Vegan Butter) or 1 Stick
#3
4 Cups Flour
1 Tsp Salt
1 ½ Tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer, optional
2 Tbsp Honey, optional
Filling (#4):
½ Cup Earth Balance or 1 Stick, melted
1 ½ Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Sugar
Topping/Glaze (#5):
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Non-Dairy Milk (I used almond/coconut blend)
¼ Tsp Ground Cinnamon

Directions:
-Proof your yeast. In a small bowl dissolve yeast with warm water and stir ¼ Tsp Sugar. Let this stand for about 5 minutes. (#1)
img_0667
-In another glass bowl, microwave: milk, earth balance and sugar (#2) for about 2 – 2 ½ minutes. You will want to take the chill of the milk and melt/soften the earth balance.
-In a separate bowl whisk together (#3): flour, salt, egg replacer to combine. Typically one may sift these ingredients together but I don’t own a sifter and probably would just continue to use a whisk since it seems easier. 😊
img_0680
-To the bowl with milk/butter bowl add about ½ of the flour mixture. Stir together to combine. Add in yeast mixture and stir again to combine. Add in remaining flour, however, be sure to reserve some for flouring your surface. (Initially I only reserved 2 Tbsp for my surface but my dough ball started to break apart. I added the honey here, during the last 2 minutes of kneading, to revive my dough ball during kneading.)
img_0706
-Knead for the dough for about 10 minutes.
-Grease a large glass bowl (with oil or non-stick cooking spray) add your ball of dough. Cover and let rise for about 1 ½ hours. Dough should double in size.
-Punch down the dough or remove and fold out to remove the air.
-Flour your surface again and roll out your dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick.
-In a glass bowl, combine filling ingredients (#4): Earth balance, sugar(s) and cinnamon. Microwave for about 1-1 ½ minutes to melt. -Pour into your dough and spread evenly, leaving about 1-inch from the edge.
img_0717
Pre-heat oven 350 degrees F.
-Roll up dough with filling carefully pinching the final piece to secure.
img_0722
-Grease (2) two (9-inch) round pan – Earth Balance (Vegan Butter) or cooking spray, if you prefer.
-Cut dough log into 1-inch pieces. I was able to cut into about 18 pieces, which included the two ends that were a bit teeny.
-Add pieces to prepared pan and let these rise for about another 25 minutes.
img_0727
-Bake for 30 minutes.
-While your rolls are in the oven combine ingredients for the glaze (#5). Just whisk together to combine.
img_0734
-Remove from oven and let them stand for about 10 minutes before glazing. You can let them cool longer if you can wait. 😊 Enjoy!

Whew…
Well I did say it was a labor of love, right? ❤ But really it wasn’t so bad. If feels like a long time and really it was but I did other things to break up the time. During the initial 1 ½ hours while the dough rose I went off to the grocery store to do my weekly (or 2-day) shopping trip. During the rest of the time in between prepping I made breakfast. J You really can get a lot accomplished during this time, don’t be discouraged – these are delicious and well worth it.

Cinnamon Rolls (buns)

  • Servings: 16-18
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Print

Ingredients:
Yeast/Flour Mixture (#1):
1 Pkg Active Dry Yeast
¼ Cup Warm Water
¼ Tsp Sugar
#2
¾ Cup Non-Dairy Milk (I used almond/coconut blend)
1/3 Cup Sugar
½ Cup Earth Balance (Vegan Butter) or 1 Stick
#3
4 Cups Flour
1 Tsp Salt
1 ½ Tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer, optional
2 Tbsp Honey, optional
Filling (#4):
½ Cup Earth Balance or 1 Stick, melted
1 ½ Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Sugar
Topping/Glaze (#5):
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tbsp Non-Dairy Milk (I used almond/coconut blend)
¼ Tsp Ground Cinnamon

Directions:
-Proof your yeast. In a small bowl dissolve yeast with warm water and stir ¼ Tsp Sugar. Let this stand for about 5 minutes. (#1)
-In another glass bowl, microwave: milk, earth balance and sugar (#2) for about 2 – 2 ½ minutes. You will want to take the chill of the milk and melt/soften the earth balance.
-In a separate bowl whisk together (#3): flour, salt, egg replacer to combine. Typically one may sift these ingredients together but I don’t own a sifter and probably would just continue to use a whisk since it seems easier. 😊
-To the bowl with milk/butter bowl add about ½ of the flour mixture. Stir together to combine. Add in yeast mixture and stir again to combine. Add in remaining flour, however, be sure to reserve some for flouring your surface. (Initially I only reserved 2 Tbsp for my surface but my dough ball started to break apart. I added the honey here, during the last 2 minutes of kneading, to revive my dough ball during kneading.)
-Knead for the dough for about 10 minutes.
-Grease a large glass bowl (with oil or non-stick cooking spray) add your ball of dough. Cover and let rise for about 1 ½ hours. Dough should double in size.
-Punch down the dough or remove and fold out to remove the air.
-Flour your surface again and roll out your dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick.
-In a glass bowl, combine filling ingredients (#4): Earth balance, sugar(s) and cinnamon. Microwave for about 1-1 ½ minutes to melt. -Pour into your dough and spread evenly, leaving about 1-inch from the edge.
Pre-heat oven 350 degrees F.
-Roll up dough with filling carefully pinching the final piece to secure.
-Grease (2) two (9-inch) round pan – Earth Balance (Vegan Butter) or cooking spray, if you prefer.
-Cut dough log into 1-inch pieces. I was able to cut into about 18 pieces, which included the two ends that were a bit teeny.
-Add pieces to prepared pan and let these rise for about another 25 minutes.
-Bake for 30 minutes.
-While your rolls are in the oven combine ingredients for the glaze (#5). Just whisk together to combine.
-Remove from oven and let them stand for about 10 minutes before glazing. You can let them cool longer if you can wait. 😊 Enjoy!

Morning Smoothie!

Morning Smoothie!
(Serves 3) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Raw, Soy-Free

IMG_0419

Morning Sunshine! I should say instead. This smoothie is not so pretty, but it’s pretty healthy. I say not-so-pretty because at least that is what a co-worker thought last week. It was a bright sunny day (jk). So, I was at work reaching for my smoothie as a co-worker passed by and says, “ew, what is that!?!” To which I replied a smoothie, here try some. 😊 She thought it was delicious by the way. I honestly believe she meant no ill-will but the story doesn’t end or start here. A few weeks ago Seth was at a deli picking up some veggie sandwiches, the employee does the ‘ol “order up – veggie sandwiches!” An patron nearby hears this and says, “ew, who would even order a veggie sandwich. Ugh, a sandwich with no meat etc. etc.”  Well her supercilious comment wasn’t going to get by Seth that easily. He replies back, “that would be mine. by the way what form of dead animal carcass will be decomposing in your body today?”  Another incident within the same week occurred at a grocery store. He was on his way home, it was pouring out, I got in late myself and wasn’t up for cooking. So… he stops off to grab pizza. (Vegan – Daiya Pizzas to be exact). Another customer hears the automated self-checkout say the item and price. The customer to his son says, “whoa, that price for 1 pizza my God we could get 2 large pies for that price! The son adds or 3 medium!” Followed by both of them cackling. Now I don’t remember exactly what Seth commented back and he’s sleeping at the moment or I’d ask but I do remember in short – he let it go.

I suppose this rant is all to say or ask the burning question: Has society as a whole lost their manners?  Where is the tact? Has ill-mannered behavior become socially acceptable? Despite the popular ‘vegan perception’ I don’t look in other people’s carts at the grocery store and examine their items. I don’t arrogantly comment or turn up my nose at the person who orders the triple bacon cheeseburger. Can we not get the same treatment?
We are modest and humble people we don’t flash around or advertise our vegan lifestyle. I enjoy life, animals, family and love. I enjoy creating recipes and sharing them with all who will seek them out.
Think about it and ‘do to others as you would have them do to you.”

The best part about this smoothie is that my kids have been begging me to make it. I made this last week before heading into work. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
4-5 pieces of Kale, stems removed
7 Strawberries, hulled
½ to 1 cup Fresh Raspberries
½ Banana
1 Cup Non-Dairy Milk (I used almond/coconut blend)
1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp Sweetener (Agave Nectar or Honey)

-Blend together in high-speed blender. I used my nutribullet. Enjoy!

 

Jumbo Blueberry Muffins!

Jumbo Blueberry Muffins
(Makes 6 Jumbo Muffins) ~ Vegan

IMG_9754

Delicious, Fluffy and Moist – my favorite terms to describe these scrumptious Mmmuffins. I originally intended on making these last weekend for a baby shower but opted not to. These were so simple to put together that I made a batch while putting away my mother’s china. If you remember from my tea sandwich post mom very enthusiastically allowed me to borrow all her tea cups and tea pots. Although I ended up not using them, I more than appreciate her – she’s the best! I reflected a lot while wrapping away her china and ironically had some emotional moments. Without rehashing my feelings, I just want to take a moment to recognize how much I value my parents, husband, children and all my family. Family: Unselfish, Trustworthy, Supportive, Loyal, Happy, Loving… ❤
Now now… enjoy these amazing muffins and cherish your loved ones, always. 🙂 Enjoy!

IMG_9761

 

Ingredients:
1 2/3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
¾ Cup Sugar
½ Cup Earth Balance (vegan butter)
¼ Cup Applesauce
½ Tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
2 ½ Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Soy Milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 Cups Frozen Blueberries

Directions:
-Preheat oven 350 degrees and line muffin tin with muffin/cupcake liners. Combine Flour and Sugar first then cut in vegan butter. I typically use a whisk and mash the Earth Balance throughout the flour mixture.
IMG_9713
(Technically you can add all dry ingredients first before cutting in Earth Balance, which is what I typically do – the order was changed today accidently…either way should work)
IMG_9718
-Stir in remaining ingredients to combine – adding blueberries last.
IMG_9724.JPG
-Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. I reserve about nine blueberries and place three each on top before popping them in to bake.
-Bake for 45 minutes test with toothpick until it comes out clean. Enjoy!
(Instead of 6 jumbo muffins you can make a dozen cupcake sized muffins, just check your muffins for doneness after 30 minutes with a toothpick.)
IMG_9728

Jumbo Blueberry Muffins

  • Servings: 6 muffins
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Credit: http://www.veganrescue.com

Ingredients:
1 2/3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
¾ Cup Sugar
½ Cup Earth Balance (vegan butter)
¼ Cup Applesauce
½ Tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
2 ½ Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Soy Milk (or other non-dairy milk)
2 Cups Frozen Blueberries

Directions:
-Preheat oven 350 degrees and line muffin tin with muffin/cupcake liners. Combine Flour and Sugar first then cut in vegan butter. I typically use a whisk and mash the Earth Balance throughout the flour mixture.
(Technically you can add all dry ingredients first before cutting in Earth Balance, which is what I typically do – the order was changed today accidently…either way should work)
-Stir in remaining ingredients to combine – adding blueberries last.
-Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. I reserve about nine blueberries and place three each on top before popping them in to bake.
-Bake for 45 minutes test with toothpick until it comes out clean. Enjoy!
(Instead of 6 jumbo muffins you can make a dozen cupcake sized muffins, just check your muffins for doneness after 30 minutes with a toothpick.) 

Healthy Vegan Recipe Ideas for 2016!

Healthy Vegan Recipe Ideas for 2016!

35+ (5).jpg

Since I recently celebrated a blogiversary and it’s Veganuary I decided to write a post compiling some of my favorite healthier recipes from 2015. It’s a New Year, full of new beginning’s, a new you, resolutions, a healthier lifestyle, a lifestyle change or maybe just healthier choices. Check out the blog for ideas and delicious recipes!

If you like what you see or if something below sounds appetizing – just click the link or pic! 🙂

Breakfast:
Buckwheat Buttermilk Pancakes
Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie
Juice – Apple, Lemon, Cucumber Cleanse
Juice – Kale, Carrots, Cucumber, Ginger, Lemon, Apple
Quinoa Kiwi Breakfast Bowl
Just Fruit. Salad
Avenita ~ Oatmeal
Vegan Omelet

IMG_7707 IMG_4816 IMG_2719IMG_8949

Soups/Salads:
Hearty Tortilla Soup
Greek Salad with Tofu Feta Cheese
Spicy Sweet Potato Wedge & Kale Salad
Mock Tuna Salad
Waldorf Salad with Kale & Chickpeas
Kale & Quinoa Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Warm Mushroom & Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
Roasted Beet Borscht
Black Rice and Adzuki Bean Salad
Artichoke & Asparagus Antipasto Salad
Iceberg Wedge Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing
Zucchini Salad

IMG_9042 IMG_6902

IMG_1171 IMG_6185

Lunch/Dinner:
Vegan Asian Lettuce Wraps
Philly Vegan Mushroom Cheesesteak
Citrus Soba Noodles with Asian Glazed ‘Scallops’
Wild Rice, Walnut & Spring Vegetable Medley
Reuben on Rye with Russian Sauce
Spinach Salad with Quinoa Wraps
Bucatini with Smoked Tomato Sauce
Smoked Paprika Sauce & Baked Tofu ALT
Tabbouleh with Pearl Couscous
Fettuccini with Olive Oil, Garlic & Veggies
Roasted Vegetables

IMG_7157 IMG_8443

Snacks & Apps:
Raw Energy Bites
Potato Spinach Cakes with Creamy Chive Garlic Sauce
Chive Pâté
Roasted Rosemary Mixed Nuts
Oven Roasted Spiced Chickpeas
Raw Energy Balls
Bruschetta with Garlic & Tomatoes

IMG_5820 IMG_9228 (2)

ENJOY!!