I, like many people right now, am trying to eat more plant based foods. I can’t call myself a vegan, I still slip – I grew up in a family where there was meat in every dinner so it’s an adjustment. But I don’t eat meat, dairy, or eggs 95% of the time. It’s a change I’ve really enjoyed making and I’m missing fewer and fewer things.
One thing I certainly didn’t want to miss out on this year was festive baking. Christmas is pretty much the only time I really bake these days (I’m too focused on making savory delights). Here are 4 of the sweet treats I want to try my hand at this year.
They’re all simple recipes, so if, like me, you’re put off by ingredients lists longer than your arm these are still very much within a doable range!
Lebkuchen
These german spiced cookie/cakes are some of my favourite treats. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find a shop bought version which is vegan friendly so I’m 100% going to be baking my own. This recipe from Natural Kitchen Adventures seems to have just the right blend of spices and enough of a bounce – I’m not into a flat lebkuchen! I’ll probably be subbing out the glaze for something a little simpler though.
Mince Pies
I have a lot of time for BBC Good Food recipes. I’ve made this pastry before and it comes out perfectly crumbly and indulgent. If you’re feeling a little bit lazy, shop bought mincemeat is often vegan I know Meridian make a vegan version, so just check the jar! I can’t lie, that’s my plan. If that’s still too far, then I know Waitrose gluten free mince pies are secretly vegan, and not so secretly delicious so you could just warm them through and take all of the glory.
Simple Cookies
I think sometimes the greatest joy in festive baking, other than the smell of warming cinnamon, is the decoration. If you just want something to paint snowflakes, santa’s portrait or whatever else your heart desires on, may I wholeheartedly recommend the Minimalist Baker’s sugar cookies? They’re just such a great staple.
Cocoa
So, hot chocolate isn’t really a baked good but it does wash them down wonderfully and Christmas is one of the few times I indulge in a cup of cocoa. Plus, I’ve finally nailed my recipe so, I just wanted to share it with you all!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of oat milk (any non-dairy alternative works though)
- 1 TBSP cocoa powder
- 1 TBSP/a couple of chunks of dark chocolate (Montezuma dark chocolate buttons are the best in my opinion)
- 1 TBSP maple/golden syrup (or just sweeten to taste)
Pop your milk in a saucepan and gently heat adding in the other ingredients once it’s warm. Whisk until the cocoa powder is mixed through and the chocolate is melted. Then just pour it in your favourite festive mug.
