“If there’s one thing that’s commonly and incorrectly assumed about vegan baking,” warns Hannah Kaminsky, blogger and author of My Sweet Vegan, “it’s that it can only create joyless, tasteless, ‘health food’ that won’t be as good as dairy- and egg-based baked goods.” The fact of the matter is, though, that vegan baked goods can be really delicious, and are a great alternative to more traditional treats.

Hannah’s blog (http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/) and cookbook are just two resources out of many that have recently begun to push vegan baking into the spotlight. Along with the publication of other books, including Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and The Joy of Vegan Baking, My Sweet Vegan has popularized the notion that vegan treats are tasty, satisfying, and easy to make. Additionally, many grocery stores, coffee shops, and bakeries are beginning to carry vegan baked goods, resulting in a more mainstream acceptance of cookies, cakes, and pastries made without animal products.

In a case similar to many longtime vegans, Hannah learned the techniques of vegan baking through trial and error. “Becoming vegan forced me to start working for my own treats, since no one in my family shared my ideas on a vegan diet, and there were few edible packaged sweets at the time. In dire need of satisfying my sweet tooth, I was on my own to figure things out, and learning the basics of baking simply baking par for the course,” she explains.

Fortunately, with the numerous vegan baking resources that exist today, successful results are almost guaranteed when trying to make your first egg- and dairy-free treats. How to start? Checking out a great vegan cookbook (like one of those mentioned above) is an option, or, veganize a recipe you already have. Hannah says that “cookies in general are the easiest to convert. Typically calling for butter and perhaps one egg, it’s a simple matter of switching the butter out for [non-hydrogenated] margarine, and some ground flaxseeds and water for the egg.”

While vegan baking is the obvious answer for those eschewing all animal products as part of an entire vegan lifestyle, animal-free treats are also an option for people with dairy allergies or those looking to consume less saturated fat or cholesterol. To those who are curious, Hannah suggests, “just give it a shot.” Whatever the reason for cutting out or lowering the amount of animal products you consume, “you shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything.”

Hannah’s Root Beer Float cupcakes are a great treat to make over the weekend with kids, who will enjoy drizzling the cupcakes with chocolate ganache, then topping with thick, vanilla frosting. Get the recipe at http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/02/24/float-away/ .

-Marygrace Stergakos, Editorial Intern with KIWI Magazine

I’m back on the vagon.

Even without a vegantini, I am struggling more than I did in the beginning. I plan to stick with this for 3 months and give it a fair shot.

I would love to say that I will adopt veganism for life, but I think it’s inevitable that a choice will come down to having a cup of yogurt (not vegan) or a faux chicken nugget. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I think the healthier choice for me is yogurt.

It’s hard to change my perceptions; I embraced dairy for 42 years. Perhaps it’s habit more than desire, but I still associate dairy and eggs as healthy choices. I think lean organic chicken and grilled salmon are also good for me.

I don’t think fake breaded chicken nuggets (or anything with the word nugget in its name) are good for me. I have a severe case of cognitive dissonance. Yes, I realize that example took the best from one lot and the worst from the other, but you see my point.

I’ve worked hard to eat a healthy diet and avoid all things breaded and fried. I have avoided hot dogs, hamburgers, bacon and doughnuts. But, there are vegan versions of all of these things and I think it might not be a good idea to eat them even if they don’t contain animal products. Of course, this may not be about me. What?

I found a vegan website that actually has vegan versions of s’mores, Twinkies and cinnamon buns. Although I would love to try them out of sheer curiosity, I might like them and somehow give the green light to food that I have avoided for decades.

I guess the best way to continue is to always be prepared, find fun vegan food choices and do my best until my blog is bought by Omaha Steaks or Wendy’s.