Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake

Hello friends,

My dad loves carrot cake. Every few years for my parents birthdays … Yes, you read that correctly—my parents were born on the same day two years apart! Anyway, every so often, I surprise them with a homemade carrot cake. This year, I started making the cake, got half way through the recipe, and realized I didn’t have any raisons! A carrot cake without raisons! Can you believe it? Well, it was much too late to head to the store. Or at least, I didn’t want to trek to the 24 hour Giant Eagle. So I started thinking about how to make a carrot cake with a twist. I looked around the cupboard and saw some chocolate chips, pecans and ginger powder. Voila! Why not make a vegan chocolate chip carrot cake?!

I have this saying—good food + good food = good food. It works with basic ingredients as well. The cake was perfectly moist, not too dense, and just sweet enough. It did not disappoint! Both my parents loved it! Why not give this recipe a try the next time you need an ‘inspired’ dessert?

Cheers and happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

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Recipe: Zucchini Cream Cheese Tart

Hello everyone,

I don’t know about you, but for me, it is a summer of squash! I’ve eaten more zucchini and yellow squash the past two months than I had in two years. Contributing to my massive increase in squash consumption is the fact that I planted a plethora of zucchini in my garden, and my parents brought me some beautiful vegetables from a relative’s garden in West Virginia.

I’ve also been eyeing the “just so happens to be vegan” puff pastry from Pepperidge Farms. I put two and two together and decided to put a vegan spin on a classic cream cheese tart. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing with the puff pastry, and it was nothing short of a miracle that this recipe worked out. It was quick, it was easy, and if I could do it, you can, too!

There is something so comforting about a flaky crust smothered in faux cream cheese and olive oil lightly drizzled over zucchini with herbs. Ahh. This really is a perfect recipe for your next summer get together. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase. All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support.

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Recipe & Review: Vegan Banana Ricotta Toast

Some of you may have seen an accidental post with the draft version of this content. Obviously, my post was published accidentally, very prematurely. Please check out my actual, full post below. Your tastebuds will thank you. =)

Hello everyone,

Avocado toast has become… Let’s just say “a thing.” Admittedly, I love a good avocado toast as much as the next millennial, but recently I had a craving for a sweet, slightly savory breakfast toast. I had just picked up some Kite Hill Ricotta so I thought—why not make a Vegan Banana Ricotta Toast?! I’m so glad I did. It was simple, ascetically pleasing, and delicious!

I love all things banana + peanut butter flavored, but I was never one for savory/ sweet breakfast combos. This recipe has swayed me. Kite Hill’s ricotta is slightly sweet and silky and can be used to replace traditional ricotta in any recipe. I’ve previously used this ‘ricotta’ for stuffed shells, and it works fantastic! Check out my tried and true recipe sure to please the dairy-free non-believers! (Plus, you can save $1.00 on the Kite Hill product of your choice!) Next on my list is to use this as a substitute for mascarpone!

What follows is my ‘all you need to know’ recipe for a delicious Vegan banana Ricotta Toast! I hope you enjoy it.

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase. Additionally, I received these products free for testing. All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support. Continue reading “Recipe & Review: Vegan Banana Ricotta Toast” →

Recipe: Vegan Basil Rhubarb Crisp

Hello everyone,

It’s summer and that means one thing—it’ time to make crisps and crumbles full of unique flavors! I recently visited my local farmers market and was so happy to find rhubarb! Most people mix rhubarb with strawberry, but I like to let the rhubarb flavor shine on its own. I updated my old recipe and perfected a new and improved vegan basil rhubarb crisp.

The basil adds a savory twist which helps tone down the natural acidity from the rhubarb. The result is a sugary, but not too sweet, dessert that pairs perfectly with vegan whipped cream or ice cream. This crisp is sure to please everyone at your next summer potluck, plus it’s so easy to make! It requires only eight ingredients and takes under an hour to complete. Head to your local farmers market and pick up some beautiful red-green stalks today!

Cheers!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own! Continue reading “Recipe: Vegan Basil Rhubarb Crisp” →

Recipe: Vegan Vanilla “Birthday” Cupcakes

Hello everyone,

I recently blew out the candles for my 30th birthday. Where did the time go?! The weekend was filled with family, friends, lots of laughter, and of course, plenty of good food! When it comes to baking for my loved ones, I go all out with flavor and style. But for me, I like to keep my own birthday treats simple.

I love a perfectly done vegan vanilla cupcake. The light airy cake, topped with a sweet icing and sprinkles – it can’t be beat! There is something so comforting and special about it. I’ve been making these cupcakes for years, but I recently doubled the amount of time I let the soy milk and apple cider vinegar curdle. I have to say, it made a huge difference! I’ve never had cupcakes so fluffy!

Give this updated recipe a try and let me know how it works for you!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

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