Vegan Chickpea "Tuna" Mayo Sandwich

Wow.

Who would have thought that the humble chickpea could me used to make such a delicious sandwich?! I'll admit that I really didn't, but having heard the buzz about chickpea "tuna" mayo sandwiches, I just knew it was something that I had to try for myself! Another thing I love about this sandwich is that it's just plants. Yes, I realise that might sound stupid considering I eat a vegan diet, but what I mean is that there's no fake processed meats in here, just hearty plant goodness! I'm not against fake meats, but I just appreciate that such a simple set of ingredients can create something so tasty!

Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake

I’m going to start by being completely honest. I don’t like lemons. 

Ever since I was younger they’ve just never been a favourite of mine, I always found the taste too strong and just something that didn’t sit well with me. However, lemon drizzle cake is my Grandad’s favourite, and I love taking cakes to my Grandparents, so for years I’ve been making lemon drizzle cakes and taking them to their house, but always refusing to eat any.

Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

As I'm sure you've all realised by now, I'm a big chocolate fan. You can guarantee that if there's a recipe where chocolate can be involved, I'll make sure it is. Recently I was craving making something minty, and as in recent weeks I'd been indulging in a few too many dark chocolate/ mint chocolate combinations I knew it was going to be a chocolatey minty creation. 

Vegan Spicy BBQ Cauliflower "Wings"

I seem to have been seeing vegan cauliflower wings everywhere at the moment, and it was some sort of sign saying to me that I need to try them! You may have seen my review of the Grumpy Panda Diner in Newcastle upon Tyne, where I got to sample my first cauliflower wings, and they were delicious! In addition to this, my work friend brought in her own cauliflower wings (check our her blog) and I just knew I had to have my own go at making them! Cauliflower is actually something I flat out refuse to eat, just because I find it so boring! But I promise you, with this sauce you won't find cauliflower boring anymore!! (No offence if you like cauliflower as it, it's just my personal opinion!).

Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

These chocolate chip banana muffins are something I used to make all the time when I first went vegan. They were something that was so familiar to what I ate as a non-vegan, so a bit of "comfort food" to start with really. They were also really easy to veganise, it's pretty impossible to mess up muffins!

Blueberry Loaf Cake with a White Chocolate Topping

Last week whilst food shopping I spur of the moment picked up some blueberries with no real idea what I was going to make with them, which meant they ended up going in the freezer to prevent them going off whilst I decided what to do with them. The next day I picked up some vegan white chocolate, again with no clear idea what I was doing with it. Both these ingredients sat in the back of my mind for a few days before I decided that I would be making a loaf cake with the blueberries, as blueberry muffins are something I already knew I could do (and they've already been featured on my blog...) and I'd never made a blueberry loaf cake, ever!

Lunch at Grumpy Panda Diner, Gateshead UK

Having a vegan American style diner so close to where I live is going to become both a blessing (to my stomach) and a curse (to my waistline)! Grumpy Panda Coffee Bar and Diner opened in Gateshead in the North East of England in July 2017, and it's definitely a treat!

Vegan Fruit Scones

One of my favourite memories from my childhood was making scones with my Mum (and Dad, they both like to bake!). Recently I realised that since turning vegan, I hadn't had a scone! It also happened that I would be going to my friends house for a potluck, with each of us bringing a different dish along, and as the designated baker of the group, I was assigned to bring baked goods.

Vegan Beetroot Brownies

Beetroot and chocolate are two of those flavours that just go. I don't know how it took me so long to realise this, but since I did I've been making plenty of cakes and enjoying plenty of brownies that combine the two. These brownies are a lovechild of chocolate and beetroot, just look how gooey and rich they are! These went down a treat with my non-vegan family too, which is always a plus!