Vegan Protein Yogurt Mug Cake
If you saw my previous Protein Mug Cake recipe and were hoping for a flourless version, or just a different take you’ve come to the right place. This quick snack is full of fresh flavors thanks to the lemon and blueberry, and can be made with oat or almond flour, whatever your preference. If you don’t like protein powder, or don’t have any on hand, just use more of the flour of your choice in its place. Feel free to swap in different berries, yogurt flavors, and protein flavors to switch things up.
Vegan Blueberry Protein Yogurt Mug Cake
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs Kite Hill Greek Yogurt plain or vanilla, unsweetened
- 3 Tbs oat flour or almond flour
- 3 Tbs vegan vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 – 1 Tbs maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice, to taste
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 heaping tsp baking powder (about 1/3 tsp)
- 1/4 cup nondairy milk
- 1/4 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
Instructions
- In a small bowl or coffee mug, combine the yogurt, flour, protein powder, sweetener and baking powder.
- Stir in milk.
- Stir in blueberries.
- If you used a bowl, transfer the mix to a coffee mug. Microwave on high for 1 minute and check on it. If there are wet spots larger than a dime, keep microwaving in 20 second intervals for up to 2 1/2 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Vegan Lasagna Dip
A few years back I made a 7-layer taco dip-inspired version of Lasagna Dip meant to be served cold, but given the record low temperatures in Chicago the last few days I figured a hot version would be a welcome addition. This one’s made with Upton’s Naturals seitan (if you get the Italian Seitan you can skip the added garlic and Italian seasoning), Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta Alternative, Violife Mozzarella Shreds and Follow Your Heart Parmesan – it’s a real who’s who of vegan products! I also made air fryer pasta chips (sub vegan parm in this recipe) but this would also be great on some toasted slices of crusty bread.
Vegan Lasagna Dip
Equipment
- 1 12" cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 package Upton's Naturals Ground Seitan or Italian Seitan (see note)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 container Kite Hill Almond Milk Ricotta Alternative
- 2 cups vegan mozzarella shreds
- 1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Over medium heat, cook up the seitan in the cast iron skillet. After 2-3 minutes, add the Italian seasoning and garlic. (See note if using Italian Seitan.) Cook for about 5 minutes total.
- Add the marinara and stir. Bring to a simmer, then turn off heat.
- Top with dollops of vegan ricotta, and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Add shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is bubbling hot.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Vegan Protein Mug Cake
I fell in love with an expensive protein mug cake brand that chased me around the internet with ads until I relented. The mixes were $5 a pop, produced a lot more packaging garbage than I was comfortable with, and had really embarrassing fat-shaming names like “Un-chunky Chip” and “Un-pudgy Fudge”. So I decided to figure out how to batch my own protein mug cakes…and I did.
Protein powders vary in sweetness, so you might need to figure out your own sweetener situation. I personally like maple flavored monk fruit syrup paired with chocolate or pumpkin protein powder. Use any flour you like – whole wheat, almond, oat, etc.
I do recommend throwing in the optional chocolate chips because this cake can be a little dry – so those melty bits improve the texture.
Even if you’re baking in a microwave, precise measurements are important. I really recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh out 48g of the mix to make your cake, but if you don’t have one it’s basically a heaping 1/3 cup. Somewhere between 1/3-1/2 cup of dry mix.
The nutrition facts will vary depending on the flour type, protein powder, sweetener… basically everything. But for a general idea, I made this with a standard protein powder, almond milk, monk fruit syrup, all purpose flour and chocolate chips and it’s 228 calories, 4g fat, 32g carbs, 1g sugar, 24g protein and 619mg sodium.
Watch me make this on Instagram!
Vegan Protein Mug Cake: Batch Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 Tbs flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp + 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup minus 1 Tbs protein powder
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together and store in an air tight container.
- To make a small cake, measure 48g dry mix into a 12oz mug and mix with: 4 Tbs unsweetened non-dairy milk, 1-2 tsp liquid sweetener of choice.
- Optional: Stir in handful of chocolate chips
- Microwave for one minute, 30 seconds. If it still looks liquidy, microwave 10 more seconds.
- Top it off with peanut butter, vegan whipped cream, or ice cream. Enjoy while still warm.
Notes
The Bake and Destroy Cancer Zine
In November 2009, our friend Mat Arluck passed away after a long battle with cancer. At a memorial concert held by his friends and family a few months later, I learned that an organization called Grind for Life had helped fund his move from Chicago back to his parents’ home in Seattle where he spent his last days. Grind for Life provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when traveling long distances to doctors and hospitals.
From that year on, I’ve dedicated my birthday to Mat’s memory, and the memory of all of the loved ones we’ve lost to cancer. I ask my friends and family to donate to Grind for Life rather than buying me gifts. Together we’ve raised more than more than $21,500 for the cause.
Last year I sat my birthday fundraiser out, having just lost my mother-in-law Jo Anne to lung cancer. A few months later, my friend Linley’s son Bryson opted to stop treatment for his rare type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Bryson’s illness inspired its own fundraiser, and Grind for Life stepped in to offer comfort and support to him as well. Sadly, in March 2022 Bryson passed on.
The Zine
This year I have more reason than ever to fundraise for Grind for Life. In memory of Mat, Jo Anne, Bryson, my grandfather, and so many others. But this time I want to do something different. I’m putting together a zine to benefit Grind for Life.
The Bake and Destroy Cancer Zine will contain vegan recipes shared by my favorite chefs, cookbook authors, musicians and athletes, as well as art, interviews, and other goofy content. Each zine will be sent out with a variety of swag donated by some of my favorite companies.
The Contributors
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed recipes, interviews, lists, artwork, and swag:
Kate Parnell (Garfield From Memory)
Bric-A-Brac Records
Betty Turbo
More to come, thanks!
Vegan Spinach Dip Cups
Communal chip n’ dip bowls? In this economy? No thank you! Eliminate any and all risk of the double dip with this recipe for Vegan Spinach Dip Cups. I use store-bought puff pastry (often accidentally vegan – just check the label), Kite Hill Cream Cheese and Sour Cream Alternative, Violife Vegan Parmesan, and frozen spinach so the whole thing comes together really quickly. Feel free to add in your family’s favorite spinach dip faves – my husband has requested water chestnuts in the next batch!
Vegan Spinach Dip Cups
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) container Kite Hill Cream Cheese Alternative or your favorite vegan cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Kite Hill Sour Cream Alternative or your favorite vegan sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan grated, plus more to sprinkle
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 5 oz frozen spinach thaw, and squeeze as much water out as you can
- 1 pinch onion powder
- 1 package frozen or refrigerated vegan puff pastry
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Place cream cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup grated cheese, spinach, garlic, and onion powder in a bowl. Use a hand mixer to combine.
- Spray a 12-cup muffin tin, or 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice puff pastry into 12-24 squares depending on muffin tin size you're using.
- Press pastry squares into each muffin cup.
- Evenly distribute cream cheese filling into each cup. They don't need to be full as the pastry will puff up when it bakes.
- Top each filled cup with a bit more grated cheese.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is hot.
- These can be served warm or room temperature, but let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan and serving them.
BOSH! on a Budget: Lemon Drizzle Traycake Recipe
By now if you haven’t seen the ever-viral BOSH! plant-based cooking videos I don’t even know what to tell you. Congratulations on living under a rock? The U.K. duo known for their simple approach to fun vegan cookery is back with BOSH! on a Budget, their new cookbook containing 100 recipes focused on batch cooking and other money-saving methods using affordable ingredients. The book launches on June 7th, but I got my hands on a review copy and there are so many great ideas for quick and easy weeknight meals, I can’t wait to start using it. But of course I skipped to dessert first, so here’s a summery cake recipe!
Vegan Lemon Traycake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 lemons
- 2¼ cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 7 Tbs Oatly oat milk
- ½ cup vegetable or sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup cup water scant
Lemon Curd
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup oat milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp turmeric
Icing
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
Make the Sponge
- Zest the 2 lemons and cut them in half. Measure the flour, sugar, baking powder, and zest into a bowl and whisk to mix.
- Squeeze the juice of ½ a lemon into a small bowl. Add the oat milk, mix well, and set aside • Pour the oil into the dry mixture. Add the water and the lemon milk. Whisk well, then tip into the dish and spread it out evenly. Transfer to the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.
Make the Lemon Curd
- Tip the cornstarch into the small pan. Add a splash of the oat milk and whisk to combine, then add the rest of the oat milk, whisking to make sure there are no lumps. Squeeze in the juice of one of the lemons, catching the seeds in your other hand. Add the sugar and turmeric. Set the pan over medium heat and whisk until thick, about 5 minutes. Tip into a bowl and set aside to cool.
Make the Icing
- Measure the powdered sugar and water into a bowl. Squeeze in the juice of the last lemon, half a drop or two at a time.
- Mix until smooth and the consistency of heavy cream.
Ice the Cake
- If you're using a pastry bag, spoon the curd into it. Pop the cooled cake back into the oven dish. Pour over the icing and use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it over the cake.
- Working quickly so that the icing doesn't set, rotate the dish 90 degrees. Use a spoon or the pastry bag to draw lines of lemon curd about ¾-1¼ inches apart. Use the long end of a spoon or a skewer to drag the curd left and right to create a marble effect. Allow the icing to set completely (about 1 hour ). Slice and serve.
Excerpted from BOSH! on a Budget, by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby. Reprinted with permission of HarperCollins, 2022. Photo credit: Lizzie Mayson
This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase I will earn a laughably small amount of money, which I will spend on vintage clown art.
Where To Buy CM Punk’s Abortion Rights Shirt
I decided to make a quick post about where to buy the “Abortion Rights Are Human rights” shirt CM Punk wore in Texas this week because I’ve been asked on every social media platform I’m on. You can buy it from Raygun, and it comes in two colors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood, and Raygun shirts are sweatshop-free and printed with union labor.
I first popped into Raygun’s Chicago shop a few months ago to grab Punk one of their Get Your Own Then Tell It What To Do shirts for another one of his Texas shows (as an old friend, I’m his unofficial, unpaid assistant LOL) and they were kind enough to respond to my last-minute plea to ship him another shirt overnight while he was on the road on the way back to Texas.
So thanks to the folks at Raygun, thanks to CM Punk for defending our rights, and thanks to everyone who asked because they want to wear this shirt too!
Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2022
It’s been a while since I put together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide, but I had a lot of fun making the Vegan Valentine’s Day Guide so I put on my window shopping hat and started this list. Just like the V-Day Guide, I’ll be adding to it as I find more fun stuff, so check back once in a while for new additions!
What’s so tough about shopping for Mother’s Day? Just get your mom or the mother figure in your life a World’s Greatest Mom coffee mug, some flowers, or an activity she can do with the kids, right? NO. Mother’s Day is about celebrating the folks who care for and nurture us as entire people with a wide variety of interests. Hopefully we acknowledge and show gratitude for these folks every day, but this day is one where we lay it on extra thick and encourage them to pamper themselves, explore their interests, and indulge.
In this guide, I’m suggesting gifts for very specific interests that many mothers and maternal figures I know share, and trying to focus on supporting small businesses in the meantime.
Spa Day – There’s a reason why this is a stereotypical Mother’s Day gift. Because mothers rarely spend more than a few minutes a day on themselves. So whether it’s a full spa day package, a gift certificate for a mani/pedi, a facial, or a massage, not just suggesting, but insisting that mom take that time for herself is a wonderful gift. If it’s out of budget, or mom is not yet ready to go out into the world (thanks, COVID) a local (to me), mom-owned business has lots of options to give your mom that experience at home. I love the house line of products by Lena Rose – from body scrubs to bath soaks, each deliciously scented product it made from high quality, all natural, and vegan-friendly ingredients. My personal favorites are the Java Sunrise Body Scrub and Celestial Cacao Body Butter, which smells just like a Frango Mint (chocolate mint.)
Pet Parent – I’m not putting pet parents at the end of the list as an afterthought. Oh no. As someone who has both human and fur children, I know how much love and care goes into raising all sorts of babies. So that’s why a pet paint-by-numbers from Apple Pie Painting is going right toward the top of my list. I love paint-by-numbers art, especially of pets, so this idea was almost made for me. (Hint, Tony – I want to paint Flappy and Lulu!) Choose from a single or multiple pet kit, or get a gift card. And if your mom isn’t the type to sit and paint, but loves her pets, maybe paint their portrait yourself and give her the finished product.
Mother Earth – I could honestly make an entire gift guide of just things you can purchase from Herbivore Clothing, and not just because co-founder Michelle and I once worked at a veg fest on Mother’s Day, away from our kids, and started crying when we talked about it. They have everything! Chocolate, clothing, accessories, cookbooks, decor – and it’s all vegan, and all of your purchases support an awesome vegan family-owned business. So maybe a gift card is just what you need, and mom can choose her own adventure. But if you want my personal recommendation, check out their collab bath & body care line with Perennial Soap. From lip balm to solid lotion bars you can pamper mom from head to toe with lovely scents such as Snickerdoodle cookie and lavender lemon.
For Nonna – I have very fond memories of eating my great-grandma’s homemade pizzelle, which she carefully packed inside of an empty Folgers coffee can. These light, crispy, Italian waffle cookies are best eaten with coffee or tea, but are also delicious with ice cream. I’ve tried to recreate them as a vegan, but because egg whites are a main ingredient, it can be tricky to get them just right. I was so thrilled when Vegan Pizzelles opened for business and started shipping their egg-free waffle cookies nationwide. By the time you read this, their Mother’s Day Box will either be available for sale or will be just about to be available (12pm PDT, April 11). The box includes a dozen dark chocolate pizzelle and pastel Jordan almonds.
True Crime Mama – This pick might be extremely specific to my own mother, the first true crime fan I ever knew. While it’s very trendy these days to have encyclopedic knowledge of serial killers, I remember my mom following these cases way back in the early 80s. The fact that a number of notorious serial killers were imprisoned and executed in my hometown of Joliet possibly adding to the fascination. She never glorified the killers, though, it was always out of empathy for the victims and their families that she was so interested in their crimes. That’s why the The Husband DId It shirt from True Crime Clothing always makes me think of her. Of course there’s also the Blame My Mother shirt if you want to send a message this Mother’s Day.
No Birthstones, Please – No, your mom doesn’t want a heart-shaped pendant or a bracelet with your initials on it, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want some jewelry for Mother’s Day! Get her a beautiful pair of hoop earrings or a gemstone bracelet from Chouette Designs, a size-inclusive jewelry brand. They offer rings up to size 15, as well as length options for all of their necklaces and bracelets that are sure to make any mom feel loved and appreciated. They even offer ShopPay, so you can pay for your purchase in four installments.
Witchy Woman – That last option was recommended to me by Amanda, founder of LastCraft – a shop that has been the source of many gifts I’ve given my mom! If the maternal figure in your life loves music and pop culture, check out the altar candles. My mom has Prince and Tom Petty in her own home. Maybe your mom is into tarot, or likes to burn incense and enjoy a cup of hot tea with magical qualities? You can find all of those things and more at LastCraft.
Weird Moms Unite – Do you know a mom who has neck tattoos (besides me)? Maybe your best pal stands by herself at school sports events, or hides in the car at after school pick up? She’s a weird mom and she’s not alone. Drawings By Nicole has been celebrating and uniting weird moms for years now. A “weird mom” shirt, sticker, or pin, might be just what she needs to signal her weird mom status to other weird moms and make some friends on the playground.
I’m just getting started! Leave your Mother’s Day Gift Guide suggestions in the comments, or shoot me a DM on social media (I’m @bakeanddestroy everywhere). I’ll keep adding suggestions as I find more items!
The Catcade 5k
I’m participating in the first-ever virtual Catcade 5k! It’s a virtual 5k, which means you can complete it on your own time – but a few of us in Chicago have formed Team Liberation and are planning to meet up at Liberation Donuts at 2pm on Saturday, April 23rd to take a casual 5k stroll and end up back at the shop for some free donuts*.
If you’d rather support than walk or run, you can visit my race page and donate any amount! Or, you can register yourself for the race and receive a limited edition t-shirt for your efforts (but please, join Team Liberation – it’ll be fun!) Since it’s virtual, you don’t have to be in Chicago to participate.
About The Catcade
The Catcade is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cat rescue in Chicago that saves cats from overpopulated and under-resourced shelters.
Since 2017, The Catcade has saved more than 1,800 cats and kittens. Often times, they will take cats into their care that have been overlooked at municipal shelters for months. They especially love helping the “broken” cats that need more advanced care like an eye removal or leg amputation.
Your donation will help The Catcade continue their life-saving work as they continue to grow. Thank you for your donation!
*The first 24 people to join Team Liberation will receive a free donut on meetup day.
Vegan Valentines in Chicago
A few days ago I published my 2022 Be My Vegan Valentine guide for gifts you can have shipped – with plenty of time to order because yeah, I’m real organized like that. This time I’m turning my attention to Chicago (and Chicago-ish areas) and highlighting some vegan-friendly Valentine’s specials being offered by local businesses.
Please note: I’m going to keep adding to this post as I receive information. Not everyone has their menus planned, order links live, etc. So check back often, and if you’re a Chicago or nearby Chicago business offering a vegan-friendly special for Valentine’s Day email me or DM me on social media so I can add you! Also, check out the Coming Soon area for some folks who will have something special for Valentine’s Day, but don’t have all the details published yet.
Chocolate, Sweets, & Gifts
Vegan Valentine Donuts – Chicago’s first and only vegan-owned donut shop, Liberation Donuts, is offering a Valentine’s Day Box featuring four donuts and a chocolate-drizzled croissant. Boxes are pre-order only, and can be picked up or scheduled for delivery on Feb. 13 or 14.
Pie, Pie My Darling – This Chicago vegan bakery always goes all-out for Valentine’s Day. If you’d like a whole cake, orders are now open for Cookie Monster, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, Red Velvet Sprinkle, and Chocolate Raspberry cakes. Other treats such as x-rated conversation heart sugar cookies will be available for pre-sale closer to Valentine’s Day, so watch their social media for those. To see the full menu and instructions for ordering, click here.
Foxship Bakery just dropped their Valentine’s menu which includes three cookie flavors – red velvet, neapolitan, and cake batter; as well as heart-shaped cookie cakes, brownies and bundles with different combinations of each. Order for Chicago pick up on their site.
Goth Romance – Lockport-based Battycakes is offering cookie cakes adorned with skeletons, coffins, and personalized messages (vegan option available) and has promised more “non-specific love holiday” themed treats to come. Orders are very limited, use this form to reserve yours for Chicago or Lockport pick up.
New Moon Vegan X Wild Witch – NWV, a vegan bakery located in Batavia has teamed up with Wild Witch Preserves to offer limited edition linzer cookies and cakes featuring various preserves. Pickups are 2/12 and 2/13 and pre-orders are required.
Ritual Pastry dropped their Valentine’s Menu on social media. Choose from some a la carte cakes, pies, and other treats, or get a little of everything in the Love You To Death box, with more than enough treats for two for $30. I highly recommend the Danish braid! Pre-orders are required.
Vegan Chocolates in West Town – Upton’s Breakroom has a wide variety of organic vegan Valentine’s Day chocolates from Sjaak’s in stock now. Their last holiday chocolate selection sold out fast, so don’t snooze or you might lose.
GF + Vegan Love Bugs – Andersonville’s Defloured bakery has a Valentine’s menu with several vegan options including cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Cookie Delivery – Insomnia Cookie, with several locations throughout the city and suburbs, has just added a vegan red velvet cookies and cream cookie in time for Valentine’s Day. This new flavor is also available in a 4×4 pack with your choice of classic flavor (vegan options).
Cinnamon Sweetheart- Cinnaholic Wicker Park is offering a Sweetheart Box. The $24.99 box contains two cinnamon rolls with your choice of frosting and one topping each, chocolate-covered strawberries, two mini cookies and two mini brownies. Cinnaholic has locations in the suburbs as well, so check our local store to see if they’re offering a special.
Vegan Chocolate Bars – Nikki Darling Confections has two new vegan chocolate bars just in time for Valentine’s Day. A cherry almond bar and a hazelnut coffee bar, both available to order now. Also keep an eye on social media for info about any pop-ups or pick up days!
Love is a Warm Concha – Pink Pastel is offering a limited number of special edition conchas, chocolates, and churros. Orders must be placed via email and will be available for pick up on 2/11. Check out this post for more details.
Soft Serve SWOK – Vaca’s Vegan Creamery will be swirling cherry soft serve for the holiday!
Romantic Meals
Vegan Italian Dinner – Pre-orders for Herbivore’s ala carte and prix fixe vegan Italian menu will open at 10pm on 2/2. Pick up your order between 4-8pm on Monday, Feb. 14th. If you haven’t had Chef Max Musto’s Italian dishes yet you’re in for a real treat!
Heart Shaped Pizza – My Pi is offering heart-shaped pizzas, which can be made vegan and topped with a variety of tasty options, including Upton’s Naturals seitan. Orders must be placed on Monday, Feb. 14th and will be available for pick up.
Vegan Prix Fixe for Two – Upscale Winnetka-based Spirit Elephant is taking reservations for their $100 vegan prix fixe dinner for two for Feb. 11-13. It’s a cute place, sure to be romantic!
Dinner Downtown – Chef Matthew Kenny’s swanky downtown vegan restaurant Althea is offering a Valentine’s prix fixe. It’s $65 per person, three courses and dessert. Reservations are recommended.
Vegan Valentine’s Sushi – Vegan sushi pop-up Snackie Chan is offering a $25 Valentine’s Bento Box featuring 2 x misubi with spicy mayo, a heart-shaped veggie roll, Bánh Bò Nướng (Vietnamese cake), and Viet coffee chocolate-covered strawberries. Pre-order from Lucky Crickets to pick up from Konbini & Kanpai on 2/13.
Dinner for Two – The Goddess and Grocer is offering a $105 dinner for two featuring a “beet wellington” with loads of sides, dessert, and truffles. Orders must be placed by 2/9. There is also currently a giveaway for one vegan dinner on VegTourist’s Instagram account.
Coming Soon
Details and/or pre-orders haven’t been announced yet, but these places will be offering vegan Valentine’s Day specials so keep an eye on their social media and I will update when more info is available!
Vegan, GF Valentine’s Treats – Holcomb Hollow will drop their Valentine’s menu on 2/5. (Mundelein, IL)
Vegan Petit Fours – Gingham Baking will be dropping a Valentine’s Day menu for pre-order featuring petit fours, heart-shaped focaccia, poptarts and cookies. Keep an eye on their social media for a final menu and instructions for ordering and pickup.
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