No-Bunny was Harmed

When I think of Easter, I think of candy. It doesn't help that whenever I go into any store right now there are aisles and aisles full of every sweet confection you can think of. But what's a vegan to do? Make my own of course! For Christmas this last year, I made vegan treats for my family and one recipe that I thought turned out especially well was my vegan peanut butter cups. They are super easy to make, they just take a little bit of time, but trust me they are totally worth it!


No Bunny Harmed Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (I like Sunspire)
1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy is best but if you're feeling adventurous try crunchy)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup vegan powdered sugar

Directions:
1. To make big peanut butter cups, cut the top half of the muffin cups to where they are about half the original height for 12 paper muffin cups or you can buy the candy cups that look like tiny muffin cups. Whichever you prefer.

2. Melt the chocolate chips by microwaving them for about 2 minutes at 50% power in a glass or microwaveable bowl.  Stir until creamy, you might need to microwave them a little more.  Make sure you do not overcook them. Using a spoon, spread a layer of the chocolate evenly within the muffin cups making sure you fill the crevices on the sides.  Place the coated muffin cups in the freezer until the chocolate hardens.

3. In another bowl, combine the peanut butter and salt, and then fold in the powdered sugar. Microwave the mixture for about 1 minute. Stir until well mixed and then allow to cool.

4. Once the peanut butter mixture is cooled but still soft, spoon the peanut butter into the chocolate cups leaving a little room for the top layer of chocolate. You have the option of putting the top layer of chocolate on now or after the peanut butter has hardened in the freezer. I highly suggest waiting for the peanut butter to harden, it works a little easier, but it's up to you.

5. Then you will top the the peanut butter with the rest of the chocolate mixture until the peanut butter is all covered.

6. Place the cups in the freezer and wait about an hour.


*Just a side note, these cups don't have to be pretty. Trust me they will be so yummy that your friends and family won't care. Feel free to spice it up by using decorative muffin cups or you can put handfuls of the smaller ones in fun little Easter bags. Just have fun with it!

Hoppy Easter!

Sweet Treats

Who doesn't love a little sweet reward at the end of the day? As a vegan it can sometimes be hard to find places that have desserts that are kind to our animal friends. However, Quack's 43rd Street Bakery has got your fix. Quack's makes their desserts fresh from scratch daily. Yesterday my sister and I found that they have several vegan goodies to choose from. We of course had to sample several, including the vegan chocolate peanut butter cup, Erin's vegan lemon cupcake, and the chocolate vegan truffle. We were impressed to say the least. Everything was fresh and yummy! I highly recommend the truffle. Even my non vegan co-workers were jealous. Make sure to stop by there on your next outing in Hyde Park. You will not be disappointed!