Vegan Mother's Day Sweet Treats

Mothers are usually the ones making treats for everyone else, so on Mother's Day it is fun to make some special sweet treats for your special, sweet mom! If your mom is vegan, you obviously have to pay attention to the ingredients in your recipes. To make it easier for you, here are some delicious vegan delights.

Aw, Fudge!

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons vegan margarine
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup soymilk
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
Using just a bit of the margarine, great a loaf pan lightly. Place the remaining margarine and other ingredients (except nuts) in the top of a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water; place the top on it and simmer, stirring the mixture until smooth. Add the nuts, pour into the loaf pan, and chill for at least one hour. Cut into squares and place into a cute box lined with wax paper. Give to your mother and make her day!

Berry Good Shortbread

Ingredients:
2/3 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
2/3 cup oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup jam, any flavor (more, if desired)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350. Grease an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Sift flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Stir in the oatmeal. Add the oil, maple syrup and vanilla, and mix well. Pour half of the batter into the pan and press it firmly down with your fingers. Spread the jam evenly over the batter in the pan. Cover with the remaining batter. Press down gently with your fingers or a spatula or spoon. Bake for 35 minutes, and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Mocha-licious Cheesecake

Ingredients:
Your favorite crumb piecrust
6 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 1/2 lbs soy cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups silken tofu
1/2 cup soymilk
1/3 cup double-strength coffee (flavored coffee is great, too!)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place prepared crust into spring-form pan. Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler or microwave. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar. Add one cup of the silken tofu and mix thoroughly. Blend together the remaining tofu and the soymilk, then add to the cheese mixture. Pour the melted chocolate into the cheese mixture, stirring as you pour. Add the coffee and vanilla and blend thoroughly. Pour the cheese mixture into the piecrust and bake for 45 minutes. Crack open the oven door and allow the cheesecake to cool. Chill and serve to Mom!