Vegan Muffins

This was my first attempt at baking vegan, and it was a success! I made Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Muffins, and boy, were they were delicious. My recipe was adapted from the Skinny Bitch Cookbook which I followed verbatim except that I used 1/3 c maple syrup instead of a 1/2 c Sucanat, and I also added cinnamon.

It made 12 muffins. Eating 2 for breakfast, left me feeling full but not stuffed. The other muffins I froze, so they’re availible for breakfast or a snack whenever I’m in a hurry.

What surprised me the most was how easy they were to make. While I used an electric mixer, it was not necessary. You could easily make them without one. Also, I didn’t miss the egg because I couldn’t taste the difference. The muffins were still moist and fluffy like they should be.

And the best part of this recipe is that it’s similar to making oatmeal. You can toss whatever dried fruits and nuts you have into the muffin mix, and it will turn out great. You can even mix it up by using orange juice instead of soy milk to give it a citrus twist.

Overall, I give this recipe a two thumbs up!

Cafe Au Lait

Like most Americans, I love coffee. While it is not what gets me going in the morning, it will forever be a drink close to my heart. It conjures up so many memories, some good and some bad. Coffee on a cold morning, before an exam, with a friend, as a treat. No matter how you look at it, coffee is good.

Since becoming vegan, however, my biggest struggle has been missing the creamer that goes in my coffee. (Sounds silly, but it really has been hard!) You have to admit, steamed milk and coffee make a fine pair, but they do not line up with my new lifestyle.

So I have been exploring alternatives. Steamed soy and almond milk are among my favorites. Pour either of those over a light roast with some cinnamon on top, and you won’t be disappointed. But I have also recently tried SO Delicious’s coconut milk creamer. I was pretty skeptical at the start, but I must say it’s a winner too. If you don’t have the option of steaming soy or almond milk, then I would go with this dairy free alternative.

So saying hello to veganism did not mean kissing my favorite drink goodbye. I can sleep easy and wake up to a cup of coffee

Oatmeal

Oatmeal, the staple of any granola hipster. It’s great while camping, for breakfast, or on a brisk Autumn day. Let’s just say, I’m a little obsessed. It’s delicious, hearty, and oh-so-good for you. The best part? You can have it your way, any day. It’s the kitchen sink of breakfasts. Dump whatever you’ve got in the cabinet and call it good. Here’s one of my favorite recipes.

1/3 c. rolled oats

1 tbsp flax seed

2 tsp. maple syrup

pinch of salt

raisins, almonds, coconut, cinnamon to taste

Heat it in the microwave for a 1:15 and call it good.