Vegan Desserts
I’m often asked “How can you cook without eggs?” or Don’t you need eggs for that sauce?”. The answer is simple. Anyone can cook without using eggs the same way people have done for a very long time. If you asked somebody’s grandmother, she could tell you some stories. During the depression, a cake called the “crazy cake” or “wacky cake” became popular because a combination of vinegar and baking soda make the cake rise. They are very lite, easy and fun to make. I never did care for the banana bread or carrot cake recipes used often today for the very reason they are so very rich (fattening). Pancakes, cupcakes, muffins, bread, pasta, alfredo, quiche are no problem! The list is actually endless. Recently I made the most moist vanilla bean cupcakes in the world thanks to a recipe from “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World“. There are 268 5 star reviews for the book. Take a look at it for yourself or you could trust me. If you google vegan desserts today (1/9/2010) you will get over 18 million returns.
A conscience vegan doesn’t just eat cake! I personally love dishes with creamy sauces. Right now I’m looking at a recipe in Vegetarian Times magazine called Fettuccine with Three-Herb Pesto, Black Kale, and Oyster Mushrooms. Yum! The other day I made a quick easy dish with ingredients I had on hand in my frig. I sauteed some red peppers, onions, mushrooms and garlic. Then I mixed in just enought tofutti cream cheese, a couple tablespoons of vegetable broth, fresh herbs (or dried) to make a creamy sauce. Just before serving I tossed in some spinach which cooks down fast and served. I don’t have a recipe for this because it is so easy. I digress…
I couldn’t come up with a better list for fat free substitues and techniques then what Susan has on her website. Here is her link. Some ingredients she mentions are applesauce, flax meal, mashed or puried tofu, corn starch, blended cooked white beans, banana, canned pumpkin, Eggreplacer (Publix even carries it), soy or bean flour, baking powder, baking soda and the list could go on and on. Check it out. It’s just under 32 degrees here in NE Florida so I’m off to make some oatmeal cookies and turn my oven on.
Here is the recipe link for the dessert crumble bars and the link for the bonbons from manifest:vegan.com. The directions for the bonbons have step by step photos. You will have fun making them.
Tips: Cooking without eggs and egg substitutes