Vegan Baking 101

Transitioning into a new eating habits? Trying to make something delectable for a vegan friend? Vegan baking is a cinch. Just follow these tips for great results.

First, with the vast resources of the internet, you should have no problem typing "vegan recipe" into a search engine with other pertinent terms to find a wide selection of recipes from which to choose. You don't have to abandon all your best recipes, though. It's easy to convert many favorites into vegan versions by using substitutions.

Instead of butter, use vegan margarine. Earth Balance Buttery Sticks work well and have no transfats. In place of animal-based milk, use one of the plant-based milks available-soy, rice, oat, almond, hemp, and many others. A good, creamy soy milk results in delicious treats. Try Westsoy or VitaSoy Extra Creamy. Be aware that rice milks are thinner and have less of a rich taste.

Hold the eggs! Ener-G egg replacer can be found in any natural foods store and is simple to use. Just mix 1-1/2 teaspoons of the powder with 2 tablespoons of water to substitute for one egg. Other good egg substitutes:

- mashed banana (half a banana per egg)

- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water

- 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with ¼ cup of water

For special recipes, there are ready-made substitutes for common dairy-based ingredients. Tofutti makes a delectable sour cream and yummy nondairy cream cheeses. Again, look in the natural foods store or section for these. You can make your own buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of soymilk and letting it sit for ten minutes or more.

If you love cake, it's good to know that vegan cakes are typically denser and moister than cakes with eggs. You can take special measures to give them more of a light, airy quality.

- double the amount of baking powder

- add 1 tablespoon of vinegar

- take the extra time to use a sifter

Some chocolate chips are made with butter, so check labels. Ghiradelli makes a delectable vegan semi-sweet chocolate chip. You can also find ready-made vegan frostings if you're in a rush. Check the ingredients on some Pillsbury flavors. If you have a bit more time, try organic icing mixes from Dr. Oetker and use vegan ingredients.

If you're following a recipe for vegan frosting or cheesecake, chances are that many of them are tofu-based. For a smooth product with a pleasing texture, it's important to use a good silken tofu. Mori-Nu silken tofu can be found on the shelf of your natural foods store or section, not in the cooler with other tofus.

Making a pie? Vegan shortcuts are possible. Just check the labels of ready-made pie crusts to find the vegan ones. Oroonoko pie crusts are a good choice.

Congratulations-you are now an expert in vegan baking. Now get in the kitchen and start creating!