Vegan Choc-Protein Balls (that are kind of raw!)

Hi guys,

EDIT: Since changing my blog name the picture watermark links are kind of irrelevant...but I can't be bothered updating them!

My husband is always asking for treats which are yummy but have high protein content - so, I had to find him something which was of course vegan, easy to make (as I am lazy) and delicious!

A friend sent him a recipe of raw protein balls and I copied the recipe exactly, but it turned out terrible. It was dry, gross and boring...so, I made some adjustments and do believe I have created the *perfect* choc protein ball. It is, however not totally raw. To make this you will need a good food processor.

I don't normally 'do' recipes...I just chuck things together and hope for the best or know how much of something to use by guessing..but I have tried my best to describe the required quantities to make this!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• 250-300gms of regular (preferably organic) almonds 
• 14 fresh pitted dates
• 1/4 cup Goji Berries
• 1 tablespoon of Maca Powder
• 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder
• 2 tablespoons of Loving Earth drinking chocolate powder or cacao powder
• 3 teaspoons of coconut oil
• 2-3 tablespoons of soymilk (please note, you will need to keep adding soymilk to achieve desired consistency)
• Desiccated coconut for rolling the balls in
• OPTIONAL: 1 tablespoon vegan honey, 2 tablespoons walnuts

WHAT TO DO

• In a food processor, combine all ingredients except coconut. Add more milk in if it seems too course/dry or the blades aren't spinning around properly.
• Form into balls 
• Roll balls in the desiccated coconut
• Put balls onto a plate, into the fridge and leave for 30 mins before eating
• Enjoy!

Mix all ingredients in food processor

This is a good consistency to get the mixture to. It doesn't have to be completely smooth.

Roll into balls and cover in desiccated coconut

Yum!

5min Vegan Microwave Cupcake

How to make a 5 minute vegan microwave cupcake!

 

 

If you're lazy and love cake like me, this is brilliant. I veganised it, so make it and send me pics!

Ingredients

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/3 cup silken tofu (or 'no egg' equating to 1 egg - but tofu is MUCH better)
3 tablespoons soy milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) I disagree that this is optional...Chocolate chips always a must :) Just get any dark choc and break into bits or if your supermarket stocks it get Sweet William Chocolate bits.
A small splash of vanilla essence
1 large coffee mug

Directions
Add dry ingredients to your largest mug and mix well. Add the tofu and
mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the
chocolate chips (if using), vanilla essence , then mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high).
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

*Photo courtesy cupcake.com

Making Vegan Snickers

Snickers.

Many moons ago, I would watch Seinfeld marathons at 5am and eat my beloved chocolate treat. It occurred to me, that there is NO reason I should deprive myself of my Snickery desires just because I refuse to buy the version available in stores!

So that was it. Something had to happen, and nobody was going to stop me!

New life goal: To make the perfect snickers bar

My first failed batch. They were still good, but as you can see the caramel appears to be like peanut brittle.

This is the cooking chocolate I use. It is available in Woolworths for under $3.00. However, my new favourite at the moment is the Belgian cooking chocolate available from Leo's for approximately $3.50.

After many failed caramel attempts, I finally achieved the desired result.

Ladies and gentlemen, I think I have achieved my goal...

Yes! Gasp in amazement at the perfect caramel consistency, delicious nougat peanutty-ness and painfully nommylicious layer of dark chocolate!

My trials began a few weeks ago and I was struggling to get the caramel right. It kept turning out like peanut brittle, rather than firm yet gooey caramel. After several failed batches, my friend provided me with a soft caramel recipe from a Dutch Bakery (thanks Julian!).

For those interested in making their own vegan snickers, please email me for the recipe. It is surprisingly easy to make, once you know how.

For those interested in not making their own vegan snickers but still wishing to eat one, please come over to my house or alternatively, dig deep into your pockets and purchase some Go Go Max Bars!

DAIRY FREE SNICKER BAR RECIPE

Directions

1. Make the nougat, place nougat in a rectangular pan and flatten to about .5cm or more (however much nougat should be in the bar!). Put in fridge while you do the next step.
2. Make caramel and pour it over the nougat flattened mix - I don't recommend too much. Let it set in the fridge for about 30 mins.
3. Once a bit harder/firmer you then take it out of the fridge and cut it into squares (this can be a bit tricky so be careful!) *
4. Now dip the bars into the melted chocolate. Drip away excess chocolate back into pan.
5. Place each bar onto baking tray with waked paper and allow to cool in the fridge until chocolate is hard.
6. Enjoy!!!

*There is another option here, instead of cutting into slices at step 3 and dipping into chocolate, you can simply lay the chocolate on top as the third layer and put back in the fridge for 15-20 mins. After this, simply cut into slices. Personally, I find this is easier because I am messy as!

To make nougat
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tablespoons peanut butter
3 cups icing sugar
Use mixer and mix, knead with hands and put in fridge

To make caramel

200g of golden syrup

200g of margarine
800g of condensed soy milk (If you don't have this then try to find another caramel recipe online that does not use condensed milk - but you do usually need it to make the caramel soft).
Boil the golden syrup and margarine really well and then take off the heat and add the condensed soy milk and stir together then poor in a tray. If it isn't stable then add corn flour until it is.

The chocolate
1 block of Coles/Woolworths dark cooking chocolate OR any block of your favourite vegan brand.
1-2 tblsp of copha, just enough to make the chocolate slightly softer for easier eating.
To melt, break into blocks and place into microwave. Once melted, stir in the copha.

My Vegan-Bollywood-European Wedding!

Phil and I got married on April 15 2013. It was one of the *best* days of my life! Planning it for months was so much fun!

Checkout my interview on Ethical Bride and you can view the wedding video below!



xox Amy

My bum is on fire

Hi everyone

Live Export
The live export issue has been a pretty hot topic the last few days after the Four Corners segment on abuse in Indonesia. I tried to watch it on Youtube but it made me too depressed, so I couldn't watch the whole thing. There have been some major discussions online in regards to the banning of live export and I am still left feeling a little confused as to my position.

It is a tough topic because banning live export simply means we are supporting the slaughter to happen here, albeit in a more 'humane' manner. Consumers will simply feel more comfortable with their choices. However, on the other side of the coin, how can we justify not supporting the cause? If it were us - surely we would want someone to help us to be killed with 'less pain' if we were going to be killed anyway? I have concluded from all the conversations online that it takes all sorts to make 'the movement' and we should do what we are comfortable doing.

I am not comfortable being personally involved. The only campaigns I can justify being part of would be ones which promote the idea of perceiving animals differently, not bettering their treatment. I believe it is a personal choice where we put our energy and efforts towards and should not judge others for making different choices to us.

Vegan Easter Ideas

Hi guys

Here are some vegan Easter ideas and where to get them in Australia!

Hot Cross Buns

Available from Woolworths, $4.98. The ones from Coles contain Gelatine. Many organic varieties from health food stores are also vegan. Some chocolate and mocha flavoured can be vegan, too - so check the label!

Ashmore's Strawberries in Dark Chocolate

Available from Myers & David Jones (usually sold in a 'christmas cracker' shaped container, rather than a box). $10-$15.

Pink Lady Eggs and Bunny

Available from Sweet As/Myer/David Jones, $5-$20

Booja Booja Organic Truffles

Available from Health food stores or Cruelty Free Shop, $15-$20 a box

KRAS Cherry Liqueur Chocolate Box

Available from Coles/Safeway in the International Foods section, $5-$7. Some stores do not stock this, so ensure to call first to check.

Chocolatier Dark Chocolate Thins box and Egg

Available from Coles/Woolies/SUPA IGA/Myer/David Jones, $10-15

Sweet Williams Easter Bunnies

Available from Woolworths, Leos, Coles and SUPA IGA (suggest calling to confirm), $4-6

Koko Blacks Truffles

Available from Koko Blacks. Pistachio/marzipan, Mint Fondant and caramelised oranges, $2-2.50each. Can be put into gift boxes - a great gift! The raspberry sorbet martini with pistachio and chocolate is also vegan..as is all their other dark chocolate gift bags and coffee etc.

Lindt Dark Easter bunny

Available from most supermarkets, $4 - $6. The Lindt chocolate eggs are also vegan and available from most outlets.

Choceur Marzipan Eggs and Bunny

Available from ALDI, $3.99+

The Simpsons Dark Chocolate Easter Egg with Jellies

Available at Target (please call to confirm - this item can be a little difficult to find).

Alpha Confectionery

Available at David Jones and many specialty/health/sweet stores. For those in Perth, I know these are at the SUPA IGA in Wanneroo and Kosher Mart in Menora. Most Jewish shops sell Alpha Chocolates...but not really the Easter speciality items, SUPA IGA is the best bet.

Sorini Mint Truffles

Available from Reject Shop, $3

Kirsch Cherries Gift Box

Coco Chocolate in Sydney, $35 (can also order online)

Constant Craving Chocolate Egg with Truffles inside!

Available from Cruelty Free Shop, $17.99 or through Constant Craving

Bonvita Organic Chocolate Egg and Easter Eggs

Available from The Vegan Store
Mini Easter Eggs from Gluten Free Shop



I have only mentioned a handful. There are many vegan chocolates in supermarkets - but for a larger range, I strongly recommend David Jones/Myer and if you are in Melbourne, Radical Grocery.


xx
Amy

Vegan Xmas Chocolate Ideas!

Hi everyone


I decided it is time to steer this blog away from the negativity it has been engaged in, as of late. My blog was never designed to become involved in petty internet arguments - alas, I just can't help but respond when someone says something about Phil or myself, grr! I'm not cut out for all of this debating - i'd much rather theorise about cheesecake consistency or the best type of cappucino froth.

I love Xmas! No, really, I do. I like decorating my home in festive decorations and doing the whole tree and present thing. As materialistic as it may be, it's just...fun! Indeed, I have the 'The Virus' (Read: Affluenza) - but at least I am aware of it ;)

I have put together some ideas for vegan chocolate presents. Chocolate is the best kind of present as you can give it to anyone and as an added bonus, it is a really great 'how can this be vegan' conversation starter! For me, chocolate is a vital part of my life. I see it as a core part of vegan mainstreaming (That is what I tell myself to justify my mass consumption of it hahaha).




Coco Chocolate (Store in Sydney, deliver Australia wide)
Coco specialises in Fine Organic Chocolate. Coco only sells 'real chocolate'; that is chocolate with high cocoa content and all of the expensive & delicious cocoa butter.
Coco Chocolate is made by our artisan chocolatiers in Australia & Scotland using the finest ingredients. We hand temper our chocolate on marble slabs and create a range of stunning chocolates with fruits, spices and peppers. We are advocates of organic farming, ethical trading and non GM ingredients.

Anthon Berg Liqueur Chocolate Gift Boxes
(Available in all major department stores - Big W, Kmart & Target)

Various types of dark chocolate gift boxes are available in the Anthon Berg range. The cream cocktail range is also vegan.

Sacred Chocolate (Raw, Deliver Australia wide)
Sacred Chocolate^® is hand made with much love, gratitude, and high “phi-bration" in a small custom-designed, certified organic, vegan, kosher, halal, carbon balanced factory in San Rafael, California. We are committed to providing the most exceptionally tasting and nutritionally beneficial chocolate, and educating people on the super-food properties of RAW chocolate.

Others:

• Patons dark chocolate toffee macadamia gift box (MYERS)
• Strawberry dipped in chocolate truffle gift box (MYERS) (looks like a christmas cracker)
• KOKO Blacks pistachio truffle, mint truffle and caramelised chocolate orange (Applies to Melbournians only. Great in a gift box)
• SAN CHURROS rose truffle, hot chocolate gift packs, almond chocolate gift boxes (Applies to Melbournians only)
• Walkers dark chocolate mint, rum & raisin & ginger gift box (Available in Kmart)
• Guylian Solitare gift box (Available from MYERS)
• Chocolatier dark chocolate thin gift box (Available in all leading department stores)
• Booja Booja gift boxes (Available from health food stores or buy online at Vegan Perfection)
• Alpha Confectionary gift boxes (Available from MYERS, David Jones and various other stores)
• Constant Craving Truffles (Available only by online order - really bad website though!)
• Ballantyne Ginger Lovers gift box (Available from most super markets and department stores)
• Loving Earth Raw Chocolate (Raw. Available from many health food stores)
• Lindt /Whittakers / Pink Lady Dark Chocolate bars
• David Jones dark chocolate range

There are, of course many more! If it says dark chocolate - check the label! If there are any mistakes in this list, please email me.

I hope I have helped you with some chocolate gift ideas for all occasions! Remember, we can mainstream veganism one truffle at a time :)


Cheers
Amy