(!!!) Four Weeks (!!!)

Hello lovely readers!

I can't believe it, but we've soared past the 4 week mark! We're settling into this lifestyle and realizing that it is becoming "normal." I don't feel like I'm thinking about the vegan lifestyle constantly at this point, but it's more of a habit now.

I apologize for not being ontop of updating lately. Grad school has zapped most of my energy. It's that time in the semester where I wonder what the heck I'm doing, why I've taken on so many responsibilities, and would rather run and hide than try to tackle the mountain of work I have. I just need to get over the "hump." Grad school has certainly been a learning experience, to say the least. I can hardly wait for May 2014 (graduation!!).

In my last post, I promised some photos and a recipe for vegan cupcakes.

Cupcakes

1 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

pinch salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup flavorless oil (I used canola because that's what we had on hand)

3/4 cup non-dairy milk of choice (I used almond milk)

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Pre-heat oven to 365 degrees. Line a pan with 10 cupcake liners (I made mini cupcakes, and it made quite a few because I doubled everything). In a mixer bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix on low for a few seconds to combine. Add remaining ingredients and beat on medium till well blended and no lumps remain. The batter will be pretty runny.

Fill the cupcake liners with the batter and bake for 20 minutes, or till a toothpick tests clean and cupcakes bounce back when lightly pressed.

Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely before frosting. At this point, unfrosted, they taste like little pancakes!!

Frosting

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup melted and cooled vegan butter (Earth Balance is great)

2 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a mixer bowl. Beat on low till well combined, then increase speed to medium-high. Beat till light and fluffy. If frosting is too thick to pipe or spread, add more melted butter – a tablespoon at a time – till it reaches the right consistency. If it is too wet, add a little more powdered sugar. I also added food coloring to make them orange to fit the party (although food color may not be vegan...hmmm).

Pipe or frost as desired; serve immediately or keep covered in the fridge. After a few days, they'll get pretty dry. I bet you could make the cupcakes and freeze them and thaw as needed desired. 

Ready for prom!

I decided to change into lounge clothes :)

Now that I'm somewhat caught up with the blog, I should get back to my schoolwork. I'm waiting for the big winter storm they've predicted so that I have an excuse to stay home tonight. I'd rather not drive to and from Brookings in a blizzard.

Stay warm and be kind, friends!