One Year of Cruelty-Free Living

Yesterday I celebrated my one year veganiversary!! Well, I'm not sure of the exact date last year that I decided to go vegan, but it was definitely early August. So how to celebrate? Cook a big meal of course! So I put on my Vegan Freak t-shirt and my Damn Tasty Vegan apron and got to work. My parents came over and we enjoyed manicotti, broccolini, a fresh fruit salad (courtesy of mom), and a fancy dessert (I'll get to that in a minute!)


The manicottis were filled with a creamy tofu-cashew ricotta. I added a package of frozen spinach to the original recipe. The filling was super creamy and rich, and the spinach was a nice addition. Next time I may add basil as well. To top the manicotti, I whipped up some tomato sauce using two cans of diced tomatoes (one with basil and garlic seasoning), one can of tomato paste, at least a cup of red wine, garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, a squirt of agave nectar, and some salt and pepper. After baking the manicottis for about 30 minutes, I topped it off with some Follow Your Heart vegan mozzerella and turned the oven on broil for the cheese to melt. And melt it did! The picture doesn't show it too well, but it was a nice addition. A very filling meal, but we had to make room for dessert....

I have been waiting to try aTxVegn's winning dessert from Urban Vegan's "vegans gone wild" recent contest. This seemed like the perfect excuse to make the Extreme Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Tart with Caramel Sauce. How could it not be a winner with those three things? I got up early Sunday morning to start baking. I was so proud, this is the first homemade tart crust I've ever made, and it turned out great!! Just a word of warning though, those tart pans are sharp! I sliced up my finger cleaning it ...ouch.

The result of several hours of labor was well worth it. This tart is rich and chocolatey and the nuts add a wonderful texture. Be sure to top it with plenty of the sugary sweet caramel sauce! But be careful, a sugar overload may ensue! (that's a good thing sometimes)




This piece disappeared in mere moments..... ahhhh, pure bliss!



This past year has been an amazing journey. I feel I have grown so much as a person, there is a certain peace that comes along with veganism that is difficult to explain to those that are still consuming animal products. I have never been happier or felt healthier in my life. I have discovered a love for cooking, baking, and creating. And of course, I have discovered my love for blogging! Thanks to all of you for the chance to peak into your vegan world, I have learned so much from you. Can't wait to see what the next year brings!