Good Eats: Vegan Junk Food

Do a quick word association for VEGAN.

You'll probably come up with something like this: vegetables, PETA, meatless, yoga, kale, fit...and so forth.

I am vegan. I'm not a PETA member, nor do I do yoga. I'm also not super trim and sinewy like many figureheads for veganism. I do eat a lot of vegetables. And I love me some kale. But sometimes, you have a craving that a crunchy, leafy veggie can't fulfill. If you're anything like me, sometimes you need some comfort food.

These are some surprisingly vegan junk foods--no animal products! But they're not super nutritious either. Everything in moderation. Next time you want a snack, why not try one of these tasty vegan treats? You may already have some of them in your cupboard!

I am a reformed cheese lover, but the adjustment wasn't that bad. However, I'm thankful that Sour Patch Kids are animal-free. I'm not sure what I'd do, as I practically lived on those (and Coke slushies!) while I was pregnant! ha.

But for a healthier, heartier sweet treat (that's still ABSOLUTELY comfort food!), I have a quick recipe for you today. It's perfect for those chilly fall and winter mornings--and you can even make it if you're in a hurry to get out the door--prep and cook in 5 minutes or less. (Thank you, microwave technology!)

Quick "Baked" Apples
Serves 1

Ingredients
1 medium apple, chopped into small pieces (Granny Smith is my favorite!)
1 T Earth balance or other vegan butter substitute
1-2 T pure maple syrup
1 t cinnamon
1 T chopped nuts (optional--I love pecans or walnuts!)

Directions
1. Chop apple and put into microwave-safe dish. Top with Earth Balance, cinnamon, and syrup.

2. Place in microwave and cook on high 2-3 minutes (firmer or larger apples will need more time), until apples are soft.

3. Stir apple mixture and top with your favorite nuts.

It's like eating apple pie, but it's gluten free, healthier, and ten times faster!  Sometimes, I make this mixture and add it to quick oats/oatmeal as well, for an even heartier start to the day.

I hope you'll give it a try...as well as try to go meatless today (or one other day this week!). This post made  hungry, so I'm off to make something yummy! Don't forget to follow me (@mandamiska) on IG to see what else I'm eating today for Meatless Monday!

xo,
Amanda

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