Merry Christmas and Goodbye

I am feeling nostalgic this week, I think for a lot of reasons. Maybe it's because I just watched the series finale of Gossip Girl. Just kidding..sort of. :) But, this will be my last blog post on Vegan Blonde. I don't have the time anymore. But, I am doing this final post for probably my only reader, my beautiful niece, Jillian. But, Jillian...I'm going out with a bang and made 3 recipes for you!

Another reason for my nostalgia is this is my last week with my first graders and then I move up to sixth grade, which is exciting but I am sad to leave the first graders.

Last but not least, this Christmas is different. Every single member of my family lives in a different city.   Who knew that I would be the last one left in the Santa Barbara area? I never thought in a million years...But, I have an amazing Christmas to look forward to. I get to meet my new nephew Jackson David. I will spending the two weeks in Colorado for some much needed family time. Especially because of the number one reason for my sentiment. This is the first Christmas without my dad. He will be very missed.

I guess now is as good a time as ever to say goodbye to my blog and move on to bigger and better things. A bakery full of my recipes will be alive some day!

Anyways, to whoever this reaches. Happy Holidays and goodbye. :)

"Do whatever you want to do. It's nobody's life but yours." -My dad

1954-2012

Jackson 

Vegan White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

Years ago, I had a white chocolate raspberry cookie at Disneyland. It was literally the best cookie I have ever had. I have thought about making it since. Today, I did. These are the best cookies I've ever made.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup vegan butter, room temperature
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup vegan sugar
Egg replacer, equivalent of 2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup Raspberry Jam (store bought or homemade*)
1/2 bag of vegan white chocolate chips (http://www.veganstore.com/product/637/other-chocolates) or any vegan dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips


What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a large cookie sheet with canola oil.
In a separate medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together vegan butter, coconut oil, sugar, egg replacer, and vanilla.
Add in flour mixture (mix will be very dry.)
Mix in raspberry jam until just incorporated.
Stir in vegan white chocolate chips.
Roll out onto baking sheet
Bake for 15 minutes.

*Homemade Raspberry Jam
2 cups frozen raspberries
1 cup sugar
In a saucepan, heat raspberries and add sugar. Stir for 15 minutes until boiling rapidly. After 15 minutes, set aside to cool.

Oreo Brittle

I love oreos! This is a very simple recipe that is great to give as small gifts for the holidays! The Candy Cane Joe's Oreos from Trader Joe's were out this year so I had to stick to traditional. But, I added a dash of peppermint extract to the chocolate and it was perfect! You could even crumble up candy canes and put it on the oreos as they are cooling! This easy peezy.

What you need:

Parchment paper

1 Box of Vegan Oreos (Joe's Oreos from Trader Joe's work)

2 Bags of vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract

What to do:

Lay out parchment paper

Melt chocolate in a medium saucepan and add peppermint extract. Once melted, remove from heat.

Add in oreos and mash them with a spoon. Mix it up until they are covered in chocolate.

Spread over parchment paper.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Vegan Fudge

I took this recipe from a website. It came out pretty well. Check it out.
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/desertrecipes/r/veganfudge.htm