Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Vegan MOFO Day 6 - Vegan Sweets

Who do you know that would turn down a decadent dessert?

As many a good vegan will tell you, the best way to break in omnis to vegan food is by baking. It is hard for anyone to resist sweet treats. Vegan baked goods are a virtual portal to all that is fantastic in vegan cooking.

I was raised in the meat and potatoes midwest. Veganism was rarely heard of in my youth. As an adult I work in an industry that is predominantly male. As I listen to my co-workers, I find that not only are they meat eaters, many are hunters and fishers. To me this is a challenge to find ways to de-mystify and glorify eating without flesh and animal products. Several of the boyz make fun of my choices. I'm certain this is their defense mechanism. So what do I do? At every turn, I slowly win them over with vegan baked goodies.

My latest temptation came in the form of a rich dark chocolate cake brushed with Frangelico with Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream (both recipes from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World). It didn't hurt to have beautiful, bright flowers adorning the cake.



Speaking of VCTOTW, cupcakes are taking over my bake sales. I often hold bake sales to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Fund and the Wellness Community of Central Arizona. Cupcakes are a great way to express your creativity while making so many taste buds dance with glee. Cupcakes are a fun treat for young and old. You can get everyone in on the decorating for a fun afternoon project. Kids will have a blast personalizing their very own mini cakes. The flavoring options are endless. Below are a couple of examples of fun flavors and designs we made for our bake sales.

Valentine Vanilla


Peanut Butter Chocolate




Mint Chocolate


We must not forget many of the other decadent goodies; vegan cookies, muffins, scones, custards, parfaits, bundt cakes, etc. Vegan sweets are possibly the easiest and best way to dispell the myth that eating vegan is tasteless, boring, and a sacrafice.

Cheers to vegan sweets!!

7 comments:

Lisa -- Cravin' Veggies said...

Cheers!

They are absolutely gorgeous!!

What kind of tip do you use for the cupcake frosting?

trina said...

Wow! Pretty!

donesmoking said...

these are all awesome, especially the cake!

Veg-In-Training said...

Hi Lisa,

It is a very large star tip. I can't remember the number off the top of my head. I have had it forever and use it often for both sweet and savory goodies.

Lisa -- Cravin' Veggies said...

I have a big-ish star tip, but I guess I will have to pick up a BIG one! I love how your icing looks!

If you recall the #, let me know please!!!

Lisa

Bex said...

omg that's beautiful. You need to do some tutorials, I'm a decorating idiot. Please help.

Veg-In-Training said...

If I ever have some free time, I will definitely do a tutorial on some of the fun flowers I learned in my class. I did find the Wilton tip. It is a 1M. It is so handy.