VEGANVEGANVEGANVEGAN

Yeah, yeah, we've heard it all before Jackie. You are going vegan. You tried and failed. You've gone off the deep end.... again!

Well, I realize that as a creature of habit (like we all are) that going vegan cold Tofurkey is not the greatest idea for me. I always felt like if I had to quit something, I had to do it right then and there. We all know diets don't work that way and neither do lifestyle changes. It's okay that I'm still eating cheese pizza or having creamer in my coffee. I don't beat myself up over it. I know these changes will make me happy and better the planet, so it's part of my plan in my 30th year. I may never be totally completely vegan (I hope I will be) but I'm making it easier for myself to lead down that path. Here are some of the products that are helping me along the way too!:

365 Everyday Value Organic Unsweetened AlmondMilk

Wow, you guys. This stuff is amazing. My friend Kris Anne was the one who had me try this first over a year ago and I just never remembered how amazing it was since then. I was at Whole Foods the other day and grabbed a carton. I used it for baking but didn't try it on my cereal. I thought "What the hell?" and put it on my Cheerios. Wow, it is so close to the real thing I couldn't believe it. The real thing to me is skim milk, it will not be a good alternative to people who drink thicker and fattIer milks. I loved the slightly nutty flavor and how it didn't taste so milk-y. I know, milk should taste milk-y but I get so icked out by too much dairy. I can't wait to have a glass of this with chocolate chip cookies and use it in my smoothies and in creamy veggie soups. The only problem is that I don't have a convenient Whole Foods near me but I guess I can stock up on the aseptic boxes, I hope!

Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread

As someone who had quite the love affair with butter in the past year, I was astounded by the flavor of this spread. I use the buttery vegan sticks for baking but this is a whole other ball game. It is so light and downy but with tons of salty buttery flavor. I love spreading it on dark breads like rye or pumpernickel or on some warm, crunchy pancakes. This is the real deal.

So take it from someone who is still a dairy eater, I recommend both of these things HIGHLY. I wouldn't steer you wrong my loves. Soon, there will be a review for vegan meatball subs! Take care and enjoy the weather!

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Vegan Espresso Buttercream Frosting 5/5 Spoons

So it's been almost two months since I've written here. I feel just terrible. I started a new job and neglected something I love, something that makes me feel whole. I promise to be here more often and to just cook more often. Yeah, I'm too tired usually to make anything exciting besides tacos, pasta or a frozen pizza most nights. It is really unlike me but I'm aware of it now and will work to make my dinners (and other meals) way better.

Now on to a recipe review! I made these cupcakes for a get together but did not end up going (don't ask), so lucky me and my roommates! We get to eat a bunch of cupcakes. Not gonna lie, these did not last until the next day. I think these might have been some of the best cupcakes I've ever had (vegan or not). Here is the one picture I got (but they don't look too shabby!):

I found this recipe for the cupcakes and tweaked this recipe for the frosting. Here are my notes for both:

Cupcakes --

- I used vanilla almond milk instead of soy milk. It's what I had on hand.
- I only used vanilla extract.

Um, that's it. These were SO tender and fluffy. The batter was really liquid-y and I was afraid it wouldn't turn out but it was the total opposite. I dare say these were the most moist cupcakes ever. Ever ever.

Frosting --

- Well since I wanted these to be vegan, I used Earth Balance Buttery Sticks. Since my favorite grocery store now carries their sticks (ahem, because I requested them, you're welcome Chicago!) I have stocked up like crazy.
- I definitely used more espresso than was written in the recipe. I think about 2 1/2 t. dissolved into the vanilla extract. I needed that extra coffee kick.

So yeah, make these. I know everyone says this but I could not recommend these more.

Hopefully I will get back in the groove more and be able to post once a week. Take care my loves and you will see me again soon!