A Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale

Just in time for the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author of numerous award-winning cookbooks demystifies what “vegan baking” really is!

Back to the World Vegan Bake Sale for a second!   Why participate?   It’s a fun way to introduce people to the joy and tastiness of vegan foods.   You can raise money for your cause, and be part of an event that will publicize the many benefits of an animal-free diet.

Participate by letting the Vegan Bake Sale Posse (and the world) know by using their handy signup form.

There are only two rules:

1. Goods sold must be vegan. For baking, most importantly this means no dairy or eggs.
2. Don’t sell or distribute anything during the bake sale (books, brochures, etc.) that contributes to the intentional harming of animals.

It’s an easy and enjoyable way to raise funds, and to raise awareness about food that is delicious and satisfying but does not involve exploiting or mass-killing animals. (Note that animals are slaughtered in huge numbers, and at all ages starting at newborn, in the dairy and egg industries). In addition, many people are allergic to dairy or eggs, and holding a vegan bake sale shows that you can make super-tasty versions of cakes, pies, cookies, and other desserts without these animal-based ingredients.

The Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale is sponsored by Compassion for Animals (CfA), a Washington, DC-area grassroots group that “works to reduce human-caused harm to animals, primarily through educating people on animal-friendly lifestyles and cultivating empathy and respect for the nonhumans with whom we share the earth.”   They’ve put together a list of tips for successful bake sales here.

New to Vegan Baking?

It’s easier than you think, dollface. In most cases, you make a couple of substitutions and create brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and other delectables-even cheesecakes-that are as tasty as you’ve ever had. We’ve got tons of tips, recipes, and links for vegan baking on the site, but you can always just rock some google. In any search engine, just enter “vegan recipe” followed by whatever you want to bake, such as “chocolate chip cookies”or “zucchini bread,” and you’ll get plenty of good recipes and cooking hints.

Here’s an easy, crowd-pleasing starter recipe for ya; from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau‘s wonderful book The Joy of Vegan Baking.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Earth Balance*, softened (although Earth Balance is the best, you may use any other non-dairy butter/margarine)
• 3/4 cup granulated [white] sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Egg Replacer for 2 eggs**
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

*Earth Balance can be found at Whole Foods, Lakeshore Natural Foods, and other natural health food stores.

**ENER-G Egg Replacer is a brand-name powder mixture of vegetable starches that simulates eggs in baking. It can be used in recipes calling for unbeaten eggs, egg whites beaten stiff, and egg yolks. It can be found at Whole Foods as well as natural health food stores.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.   Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add egg replacer one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.   Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Want a list of fabulous vegan bakers and bakeries in your neck of the woods? Here ya go, lovely.

Tags: Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, Compassionate Cooks, vegan cookies, Vegan Desserts, vEgan Pies, Vegan Treats, World Vegan Bake Sale