It has been a whole year since I turned vegan and boy does it feel GREAT! Its crazy to think that a whole year has gone by. It feels like yesterday I was struggling to find vegan food in Sturgis, or explaining to people that, No I don’t eat cheese anymore. And by turning vegan not only have I changed my lifestyle but also my husbands. Devon now eats less meat and dairy than he used to and now looks forward to my vegan experiments in the kitchen. To think that we have saved between 150-200 animals this year just warms my heart and soul.
It was one year ago today that I was on Pinterest and came across a pin by the Regina Vegetarian Society and thought WOW this is cool. I didn’t know they had a Vegetarian Society and to think I came across it on Pinterest! Fate was on my side that day because all it took was clicking on that pin and my life was changed forever.
I had reduced my meat intake to just bacon and fish and I was still consuming dairy last July, so it wasn’t necessarily cold turkey…. Or Cold Tofurkey! (haha lame, I know!) But once I did decide to go vegan I did stick to it very strictly. So I guess kind of cold Tofurkey. Now that worked for me, but for some it might be a lot more difficult. Just think every step in the right direction paves the way to greater things. It took me three years to get to a vegan diet and once I made the switch I never looked back. To read my whole story please go to my previous posts found here and here!
Also another big reason to celebrate is that I have reached over 11,000 hits on my blog! That is fricken insane! I never thought I would be so happy making up vegan recipes for you all to try. I literally get a high from people telling me they have tried something I made, or even when someone on Pinterest repins one of my recipes. I do a little happy dance inside every time!
So to commemorate this special milestone in my life I hosted our TGIF (a family and friend get together) at my house and made it a vegan themed night. So everyone who comes must bring a vegan appetizer to share with everyone. When planning this I was kind of expecting a lot of salsa, guacamole and black bean dip, but I was surprised when no one made the black bean dip or guacamole and only one person brought salsa!
So what did everyone bring?
Mary B and Bruce – Sweet potato fries
Jenn and Sean – Cauliflower Buffalo Bites and Banana Muffins
Michelle – Veggies and Hummus
Jody and Dave – Pico de Gallo and Blue Corn Chips
Robyn and Steve – Fruit and Chocolate Dip
Me – Mediterranean Surprise Dip, Black Bean Dip, Homemade French Fries and Chocolate Cupcakes
There was so much food I was so stuffed by the end of the night. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to eat everything and not have to wonder if I could eat something. The biggest hit around the table was the Cauliflower Buffalo Bites that Jen made, they were amazing! I tried making these a couple months ago and they didn’t really turn out, so I will definitely get the recipe from her to share with you guys.
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| The reason I called them Charmed Cupcakes is because this was the third time trying to perfect the recipe. So like the saying goes... Third times a Charm! |
I knew from the start I was going to make a cupcakes because really who doesn’t love them and what’s a celebration without cake! Plus needed to redeem myself for the cupcakes I made for my nephews birthday. I forgot about them in the oven and overcooked them so they were pretty dry. This time I was determined to make a moist delicious chocolate cupcake, that everyone would love! It was however my dads idea to make them with zucchini, seeing as it is zucchini season and we all know that zucchini is the perfect secret ingredient to make any cake moist. So thanks dad for the great idea!
I saw the recipe for the frosting on Pinterest and knew I had to try it out. Not only did it look super simple to make but it was only two ingredients and it didn’t contain any powdered sugar (something that every frosting recipe contains). Its just coconut milk and chocolate chips! And you don’t have to be vegan to appreciate the easiness and deliciousness of it. It really finished off these cupcakes by adding a rich, creamy and more chocolaty goodness.
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| And yes those are Toy Story Cupcake Liners!! |
And did I redeem myself? I think so! Not only were they devoured but the kids were asking every 2 minutes if they could have a second one and in my books if a 4 and 5 year old love them, then they must be good!
Charmed Chocolate Cupcakes - 12 cupcakes
1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup coconut sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla powder
2 bananas, ripe
1 zucchini, peeled and shredded
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
Blend the zucchini and bananas together until smooth. Combine all dry ingredients together and mix well. Add the oil and banana mixture together with the dry mix and stir until well combined.
Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake at 375 for 20-25 mins.
Rich, Chocolate Frosting
1 can of full fat coconut milk
1 cup of chocolate chips (vegan)
Put can of coconut milk in the fridge over night. Open and remove all liquid so only the solidified coconut milk is left. Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water and gradually melt the chocolate. You don’t want to heat up the chocolate too fast or else it will burn.
Once melted combine the hardened coconut milk and melted chocolate and stir until smooth.
Place in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until set.
Using an electric beater, beat the mixture until smooth and a frosting consistency. Top your cupcakes with frosting, serve and enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
xoxo -N
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