Chocolate Chia Pudding

 

I've decided to try out these chia seeds everyone's talking about. These little seeds are economical and have some great health benefits, including being full of omega 3's. Naturally I decided the best way to try these for the first time was surrounding them with chocolate!

This recipe is so easy, and you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge overnight for ease of snacking. I don't know if this could really pass as "real" pudding, because the chia seeds do give it an interesting texture, but it will definetly satisfy those sweet cravings and topped with sprinkles or fresh fruit would make a tasty dessert.

Chocolate Chia Pudding
serves 2-3

4 Tbsp chia seeds
1 C almond milk
4 Tbsp maple or agave syrup
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients together well. It takes a little stirring time to incorporate everything.
Refrigerate for at least 30 min or leave overnight. Enjoy topped with chocolate sprinkles or fresh fruit!

For extra fun I served this chia pudding in these pink-based cocktail glasses and topped it with some vegan chocolate sprinkles. This pudding is not as thick as traditional puddings usually are, but I still think it's worth a try, especially if you have a sweet tooth like I do!

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday Flashback

I'm a little behind on my Friday Flashbacks, so this week you get double the photos!

1. Noodle bowl with Brussels and Tofu
2. Mexican Pizza with refried bean and vegan sour cream
3. Spinach Pasta Bake
4. I had some friends over for dinner and served a simple salad with berries, and Black Bean Pumpkin soup from Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes - tasty!
5. Fried rice lettuce wraps

1. Home made tomato soup with oven roasted chickpeas
2. Falafel plate from Saj Grill
3. Salad with green beans, mango, broccoli, croutons
4. Crockpot concoction with potatoes, chickpeas, garam masala, coconut milk and veggies.


If you'd like to see more food and cat photos, you can follow me on Instagram.

Have a great weekend!

Applesauce Oatmeal Cherry Mini Loaves

My Mom got me a mini loaf pan for Christmas, and I decided this weekend was the perfect time to break it in. I am officially hooked on the mini loaves! They came out great and are such fun little two-bite treats. The cherries were a fun addition and complimented the flavor perfectly, but I'm sure other dried fruits or nuts would be just as good in this recipe.

Applesauce Oatmeal Cherry Mini Loaves
makes 16 mini loaves, adapted from versatile vegetarian kitchen

1 1/2 C flour
1/2 C rolled oats
1 1/4 C unsweetened applesauce
3/4 C sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 C dried cherries

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine the applesauce, oil, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and mix well. Add in the oats and stir again.
In another bowl combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the flour mixture into the applesauce mixture and stir. Roughly chop the dried cherries into smaller pieces and then stir in to the batter. Spoon into the mini loaf pan and cook for 15 minutes. (If you want to use a regular large loaf pan, cook for 45-55 minutes). Let cool and enjoy!

We enjoyed these tasty applesauce and oatmeal loaves over the weekend, and I did give some away to friends, but they were still all gone by this morning. I guess that just means more mini loaf baking will be in my near future! Not that I'm complaining.

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday Flashback: Florida

We spent part of the holidays in Florida with my Grandma. Above is part of the New Year's Eve spread of food that I made (a quinoa and vegetable salad, and cucumber and vegan cream cheese tea sandwiches), and the Koi pond in my Grandma's backyard.

I was also able to try out a local vegan restaurant: The Green Wave in Plantation, FL. It's all raw and organic, and we tried a salad, a veggie sandwich, and a really delicious chocolate milkshake! A great option if you're in the area.

Have a great weekend!

Pumpkin Banana Gingerbread

And we're back! Sorry for the little hiatus on the blog. I had an eventful holiday with lots of travel and several bouts of sickness, but I'm back and ready to cook up a storm in 2013. I though I'd start by sharing this delicious Pumpkin Banana Gingerbread. This bread is perfect for the holidays but would be just as delicious any other time of the year.

Pumpkin Banana Gingerbread
makes 1 loaf, adapted from liv life

1/4 C vegetable oil  
1/4 C plain soy yogurt  
2/3 C brown sugar
1 C pumpkin puree
1 C mashed banana  
2 Tbps orange juice  
1 tsp vanilla extract  
1 1/2 C flour
3 tsp ground flax  
1/2 tsp baking powder  
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Combine the vegetable oil, soy yogurt, brown sugar, pumpkin, banana, orange juice, and vanilla in a bowl and set aside.
In another bowl mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, allspice, and cinnamon. Add the pumpkin mixture in to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool and then slice and enjoy with a little vegan butter.

This bread has the best of both worlds - it's moist and chewy like banana bread, and has the great pumpkin and gingerbread flavors that are perfect for the fall or winter. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did.

Thanks for stopping by!

Top 10 Recipes of 2012

I though I'd do a little post to wrap up the year with your top 10 favorite recipes from Vegan Fling!

10. Monkey Bread Muffins

These little monkey bread muffins are a perfect sweet breakfast, and are super easy too!

9. Strawberry Muffins

Fruity and tasty strawberry muffins - perfect for summer or anytime!

8. Banana Bread

One of my family's all time favorite recipes - veganized for optimal results.

7. Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Coconut Whipped Cream

Deliciousness: now in cupcake form.

6. Vanilla Milkshakes with Hot Fudge Sauce

I can't resist those chocolatey sprinkles!

5. Black Bean Burgers and Bell Pepper Rings

Awesome for those summer BBQ's.

4. Corn Dog Muffins

An easy snack or meal that is great anytime.

3. Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

I guess you all love chocolate as much as I do? This bread is insane!

2. Pumpkin Mac 'n Cheese with Swiss Chard and Pine Nuts

Warm and filling pasta that is packed with greens.

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

And the #1 spot goes to these fluffy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! I have lost count of how many times I've made this recipe, but it's become my go-to cookie and is always a hit.


Thanks to each and every one of you for stopping by, reading, and commenting. You are why I keep on keepin' on cooking and baking new vegan foods. Here's to a great 2012 and an even better 2013!