[recipe] Vegan Jelly Donut Cupcakes

One of the wonderful things about roller derby is that we constantly have bake sales, so I get to try out new recipes and force them on people ^_^  And because I'm sick of every bake sale being your typical box mix, full flour and sugar crap, I'm always the weirdo that makes alternative faire.  This week, vegan cupcakes!

Someone shared this wonderful recipe with me from Alicia Silverstone's blog "The Kind Life".  Now, I am violently opposed to PETA and its practices, and was really heartbroken when she decided to be a spokes person for them, but I will give her credit for living consistently and true to her values.

So.  Vegan Jelly Donut Cupcakes.  I could not stop eating the batter!  I mixed up two batches, adding 1/2 C cocoa powder to the second one.  I don't know if this is what made them fluff up so much, or that since I mixed them up second, the vinegar and baking soda hadn't gone flat by the time I stuck them in the oven.  Or it could also be that I used coconut oil in the vanilla batch and crisco in the chocolate...

DRY INGREDIENTS:  Sift together in mixer bowl

1 1/2 C of flour

3/4 tsp. of baking powder

1/2 tsp. of baking soda

1/2 tsp. of salt

1/2 C cocoa powder (optional)

WET INGREDIENTS:  Mix in measuring cup

1 C of soymilk (I used almond milk)

1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp. of cornstarch

3/4 C of plus 2 tbsp sugar (light brown is nice)

2 tsp. of vanilla

1/3 C of canola oil (I used coconut oil for one, crisco for the other)

1) Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line cupcake tin with paper liners.

2) Start the mixer with the paddle attachment, slowly pouring in the wet ingredients and oils.

3) Once everything is incorporated, scoop batter into paper cups and add fillings.

4) Bake 21-23 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

I got a great 1 tbsp ice cream scoop the other day.  It is wonderful for not spilling the batter EVERYWHERE!  Two scoops per cupcake, and significantly better portioning!

FILLINGS: 1/2 tbsp per cupcake

1) Candied ginger:  Fill liner with batter, press ginger into the center.

2) Cinnamon apples:  Chop up an apple (Granny Smith here) and place in a small pot with a bit of water and a lot of cinnamon.  Heat until the apples start to dry out so they don't make the cupcakes soggy.  Press into the center of the batter.

3) Strawberry:  Pit and chop up strawberries and stew in small pot with a little bit of water until they dry out and have a jam-like consistency.  Spoon into center of battered cups.

4) Bananananana:  Slice banana into 1/2" chunks and lightly cook in a dry pan.  Add one scoop of batter to tin, place banana slice in center, add second scoop of batter.  Top with another slice of banana.

5) Peanut butter:  Add one scoop of batter to tin, place small scoop of peanut butter in center, add second scoop of batter.  Top with a couple of peanuts.

6) Cry You American Pansies:  Between the two scoops of batter, add small chunks of Chocolate Abuelita (vegan!) and red pepper flakes.  Top with pepper flakes.

Star Wars Swap Questionnaire

1) Are you willing to ship internationally?
2) Fill in the blank: My heart would go pitter-patter if I received ____.
3) Sith or Jedi?
4) Imperial or Rebel?
5) Who Shot First?
6) Which of the six Star Wars movie is your favourite? Why?
7) Allergies (fibers, animals, food, etc)?
8) Allergens (do you have pets-what kind, do you smoke-in or outside, etc)?
9) Do you knit, crochet or spin?
10) Favourite colours?
11) Least favourite colours?
12) Favourite fibers?
13) Least favourite fibers?
14) Favourite kind of projects to make?
15) Favourite kind of project to receive?
16) Favourite snacks?
17) Favourite beverages?
18) Items/colours you would rather not receive?
19) Have you swapped with anyone in this swap before?
20) Is there anything that you would like your swap partner to know?
21) What # is your post in the Wish List thread? (Don’t forget to update it…)
22) Have you read and agree to abide by our rules? Do you understand that bi-weekly check-ins, thank yous, and delivery confirmation are all mandatory?

23) Who’s your favourite character? Any particular reason why?
24) What’s your favourite planet in the SW universe?
25) What would be your dream Star Wars item to receive in this swap? (i.e. Yoda hat, blaster holster, amigurumi Anakin…)
26) Favorite quote:
27) Are you a die hard Original Trilogy fan, or do you enjoy the Expanded Universe?

28)  What kind/size project bag do you want?
29)  What about cosies? Does your phone need a new sock?
30)  Have you watched the Family Guy versions of Star Wars? Whats your thoughts on them…if you don’t have them on DVD would you like them?
31)  Also…do you play video games? If so what system do you have and would you be interested in the Lego Star War games or any other Star War games?
32)  What about comic books? Yes or no?
33)  What about jewelry..would you be interested in star wars themed bling?
34)  How about nail polish? I just saw some aptly named polish and thought it would fit in nicely!!
35)  What color is your light saber?
36)  What are your thoughts on Bobble Heads or Lego collectibles?
37)  You say you like Star Wars Jewelry, do you have a particular style of Jewelry you prefer or anything you cannot wear?
38)  Sweater?
39)  Measurements
40)  How do you like your knits? Cold or warm weather?
41)  Do you spin? Would you rather receive roving or yarn?
42)  How would you feel about roving/yarn dyed in lightsaber themed bright blue/green?
43)  What weight of yarn do you prefer? Worsted, fingering, lace?
44)  I recently came across a Star Wars Cookbook. Is this something you’d be interested in?
45)  action figures (from the 70's and 80's)

-------


Are you willing to ship internationally? Sorry, I’m about to move and can’t afford the big shipping this time.

Fill in the blank: My heart would go pitter-patter if I received a package that actually followed my wishlist instructions.

Sith or Jedi? Wankers the lot of them.

Imperial or Rebel? Rebel to the core.

Who Shot First? Han. The guy knows better.

Which of the six Star Wars movie is your favourite? Why? Empire Strikes Back. I love the whole Han/Leia/Chewie dynamic. And you have less of the whiny characters.

Allergies (fibers, animals, food, etc)?  I don’t eat any carbs or sugar, I have sensitive skin and don’t use commercial body products (this includes soaps, lotions and chapsticks), and scented things make me sneeze (candles, soaps and perfumes).

Allergens (do you have pets-what kind, do you smoke-in or outside, etc)? I have a Big Double-coated Cat.

Do you knit, crochet or spin? All three, but I’m in more of a knitting/crocheting mood at the moment.

Favourite colours? Anything vivid! I love fiery/autumn colors.

Least favourite colours? Pastels.

Favourite fibers? Anything at least 80% (preferably more) natural.

Least favourite fibers? I hate synthetics. I cannot stress this enough. If there is more than 20% polyester/acrylic/nylon, I will not use it! I can’t stand how it squeaks and splits, and then the final product is scratchy.

Favourite kind of projects to make? I’ll make anything, depending on the recipient. I especially love to make for others things I don’t want for myself but find cool, like amis or decorative things I can’t use.

Favourite kind of project to receive? Wearables. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it is useful.

Favourite snacks? Bacon.

Favourite beverages? I’m on a chai kick.

Items/colours you would rather not receive? Strict no-nos are dust catchers, toys, figurines, that knitpicks keychain with a hook to pick up dropped stitches (I’ve gotten three!), soaps, lotions, chapsticks, candles and washcloths. If I can use it for something, it is ok. As far as colors, I’m not that picky.

Have you swapped with anyone in this swap before? Steampunk June 2011 > Caitinc

Hennson April 2011 > Melinda77520
Ocean angel July 2010 > lycanthropica
ladyval75 > Firefly May 2010

Is there anything that you would like your swap partner to know? I am faithful to the original trilogy. I can’t stand the prequels, and I find the Clone Wars to just not cut it. Ok, I can accept that this all happened within the same universe, but it feels more like bad fanfiction than canon.

What # is your post in the Wish List thread? (Don’t forget to update it…) Uuuu… 277!

Have you read and agree to abide by our rules? Do you understand that bi-weekly check-ins, thank yous, and delivery confirmation are all mandatory? Absolutelytuty!


Who’s your favourite character? Any particular reason why? Han. He is gorgeous. Also, I love how he doesn’t take shit, and just gets things done.

What’s your favourite planet in the SW universe? Meh. The swamp in Dagobah was pretty cool.

What would be your dream Star Wars item to receive in this swap? (i.e. Yoda hat, blaster holster, amigurumi Anakin…) Something useful. I am about to move and can’t afford to keep decorative items. Also, Han.

Favorite quote:
I was thinking this before I even read McMurder’s post.
“YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A STUCK UP, HALF WITTED SCRUFFY LOOKING NERFHERDER!”
“Who’s Scruffy looking?”
and
“I love you”
“I know…”

Are you a die hard Original Trilogy fan, or do you enjoy the Expanded Universe? I only acknowledge the original trilogy. I have no patience for the prequels (other than their gorgeous visuals), and I especially have no desire for Clone Wars et al.

What kind/size project bag do you want? I love bags of all sizes, and end up using them as every day purses. Anything from a wallet for notions to a backpack would be lovely ^_^

What about cosies? Does your phone need a new sock?
No thank you.

Have you watched the Family Guy versions of Star Wars? Whats your thoughts on them…if you don’t have them on DVD would you like them?
Seth Macfarlane and I just don't see eye to eye.

Also…do you play video games? If so what system do you have and would you be interested in the Lego Star War games or any other Star War games?
No video games for me. (though my bf has and plays them all)

What about comic books? Yes or no?
Meh? I'm a bit of a purist.

What about jewelry..would you be interested in star wars themed bling?
Ok, this would be awesome.  Just no necklaces.

How about nail polish? I just saw some aptly named polish and thought it would fit in nicely!!Yes, please and thank you ^_^

What color is your light saber?
Screw light sabers. Someone get me a blaster!

What are your thoughts on Bobble Heads or Lego collectibles?I hate them. I've had a very bad experience with a boyfriend that compulsively collects both of them. Especially Star Wars themed.

You say you like Star Wars Jewelry, do you have a particular style of Jewelry you prefer or anything you cannot wear?
I don’t wear necklaces, but I love anything else. I shy away from dainty things, but wouldn’t mind “statement pieces”.

Sweater? I WOULD LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! Nothing is too nerdy for me to wear, especially when it comes to knit goods!

Measurements I took them last year and they are up on my blog. I have lost some weight since then, so I’ve gone from a unisex M to a busty S, and can now comfortably fit into a teen L, but everything else should be about right. I’m meaning to update my measurements one of these days, but I keep on forgetting.

How do you like your knits? Cold or warm weather? All of the above. I live in PA and wear shawlets most year round, sometimes I’ll wear hats and I absolutely love fingerless mitts/gloves. I have items of all warmths, depending on the climate. Sox, though, need to be on the fresher side, since my feet get easily swamped.

Do you spin? Would you rather receive roving or yarn? I wouldn’t mind either, but I’m going more through a yarn phase.

How would you feel about roving/yarn dyed in lightsaber themed bright blue/green? I love those colors, as long as they aren’t too splotchy or the color changes too drastic. I focus on the stitches more with my knitting than the yarn.

What weight of yarn do you prefer? Worsted, fingering, lace? “I use fingering and lace the most, but will also use worsted on occasion for winter weather knits.” This! I also tend to double up my yarn if I need anything thicker or in between, but most of my yarn is “sock”.

I recently came across a Star Wars Cookbook. Is this something you’d be interested in?
Sweet Han in tight pants yes! I am passionate about cooking.


action figures (from the 70's and 80's)
No thank you. I have no use for collectibles.

Star Wars swap!!!

I am so excited that this swap finally came around! I've been really delinquent with my crafting since I transfered to Harrisburg, but I'm going to work my ass of for this one. I really, really, really hope it isn't a dud. Ceph still hasn't received her Burlesque box, and now that I'm packing everything to move I have found all the crap I'd specifically asked not to get in swaps. Well, hope springs eternal. I will be keeping all the questions and answers in the next post, for my spoiler's convenience. In the meantime:

Winter Madness December 2011 - MediaPeruana
meglw2008 > TARDIS September 2011 > Pinksonia
Big Damn Heroes September 2011 - Aranov
JustAKnitWit > Buffy August 2011 > maureenbr
meredithparker > Steampunk June 2011 > Caitinc

henchwench > Hennson April 2011 > Melinda77520
Sparkleshan > DotD September 2010 > JoanC2
Lalsox > zombie 2010 > therowantree
divamaglia > Buffy August 2010 > Saberpirate

Ocean angel July 2010 > lycanthropica
ladyval75 > Firefly May 2010 > drewbird
heathen13 > DHSAB May 2010 > swamps42
Twilight April 2010 - xmasangel69


Neighbors: cephalogal, isilzha
Friends IRL: nanonukie, snowpony, scarletampersand

Recipe roundup

Here are a few recipes I have tried recently that I haven't had time to fully fledge out in their own post.

Keto BS+ACVinegar "Cornbread"

This was so good!  It was a crumblier bread, and the almond meal gave it a texture I really liked.  But then again, I'm an extra chunky PB kind of girl.  At first, it had a very strong BS taste straight out of the oven (which didn't stop me from eating), which completely mellowed out after it sweat over night.  A bit of butter on it made it that much more amazing.  I also used my Kitchen Aid mixer instead of a food processor, which might have influenced the texture and lack of BS/V reaction.

Low Carb Creamcheese "Bread"

Another good try.  It took a good hour to bake, though.  The toothpick had come out clean, so I went to flip the pan and the top flopped out.  It had the consistency of a very nice custard, but not solid.  Once I got sick of waiting for it to harden up even more (1:15?), it was worth the wait.  Dan loved this one, but I preferred the "cornbread".  Next time, I'm going to try and blend it more so that the meal is finer.

Real Sugar Bacon Toffee

I'd made this recipe before (completely not keto!), but hadn't gotten it to completely caramelize and harden.  This time, I finally found a candy thermometer!  I mixed in a couple of red pepper flakes, poured into my gingerbread man silicone mold, and topped off with chocolate and almond slivers, in an English Toffee vain.  Many people loved the chocolate on it, but I preferred the pure toffee.  And the kick of the pepper flakes was really nice with the caramel and bacon.

Jello and Protein Powder "Cake"

Yeah, this wasn't all that good.  All you do is mix the protein powder, baking powder, cocoa powder and sweetener and cook in the microwave, then crumble it up and set with sf jello.  Dan absolutely hated it!  I was meh about it.  I still couldn't bring myself to stop eating it, though.  

I eventually want to find some kind of Keto Mug Brownie recipe, since my attempt last week with protein powder, almond meal and egg came out not too different to the jello cake.

Here are some more recipes I'll hopefully try out soon:

LC GF PB and Bacon Bars

LC Cranberry Walnut Cookies

LC Butter Cookies

LC Almond Pancakes
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

Bacon Caramels (for people that can eat sugar)

[recipe] ALL Of The Awesome SF/keto Nutella-ish Spread

This is calorically dense, and absolutely fantastic! I started wanting to make Nutella, and then went off the deep end. Perfect to have ready for when you get home from the gym and are about to keel over. Should keep you in ketosis, even if you do eat a whole bunch, since it is significantly high in fat.

2 oz bakers chocolate

1 oz heavy cream

1/4 c all natural peanut butter

1/2 c almond meal

1 c macadamia nuts

1/4 c hemp meal

1/2 c splenda

1 c full fat ricotta

Melt the chocolate with the cream in a hot water bath.

Blend all of the nuts and hemp together until creamy.

Incorporate the chocolate and splenda, keep on making creamy.

Add ricotta and keep blending/scraping/folding until nice and smooth.

Adjust splenda and cream or ricotta until desired taste.

Makes about a quart = 64 tbsp

chocolate: 280 cals, 30g fat, 18g carbs, 10g fiber, 8g protein

cream: 97 cals, 10g fat, 1g carb, 1g protein

peanut butter: 700 cals, 56g fat, 20g carbs, 8g fiber, 8g sugar, 36g protein

almond meal: 320 cals, 28g fat, 12g carbs, 6g fiber, 2g sugar, 12g protein

macadamia nuts: 948 cals, 100g fat, 18g carbs, 11g fiber, 5g sugar, 10g protein

hemp meal: 648 cals, 52g fat, 8g carb, 4g fiber, 40g protein

splenda: 48 cals, 12g carbs (estimated)

ricotta: 480 cals, 36g fat, 12g carb, 8g sugar, 28g protein.

Total: 3521 cals, 312g fat, 101g carb, 39g fiber, 23g sugar, 135g protein

TBSP: 55 cals, 5g fat, 1.5g carb, 0.6g fiber, 0.4g sugar, 2.1g protein