Chapter Four
Who’s ready for the fourth #PantryDiaries?!
This installment is baking themed to keep your sweet treats on point for the rest of the Winter Season.
There are several ways to bake the vegan way, so don’t limit yourself to one substitute. Check out our favorite vegan-friendly brands, and keep those pantries stocked.
Hold up… you’re just discovering Pantry Diaries now? No worries! Check out Chapter One where we discuss all the basics, Chapter Two where we get in the autumn mood, and Chapter Three where we take you to flavor town.
1. PURE MAPLE SYRUP*
How sweet it is to have Pure Maple Syrup. If you know what to buy, Pure Maple Syrup can be the best liquid sweetener to add to your dishes or to sweeten your tea. Not to be confused for a superfood, but it is better for you than unnatural or processed sugar. If the label says “Pure Maple Syrup” you’re probably in good hands, and you’ll be needing lots of it to make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, the “You’re Getting Warmer” hot cocktail, and of course, to drizzle over Olive Oil Pancakes.
Don’t have a tree to tap your own maple syrup? Check out a few of our favorites store brands:
1. Stonewall Kitchen’s Blueberry Maple Syrup ($8.50)
2. Coomb’s Family Farms Pure Maple Syrup (10.69)
3. Hidden Spring’s Maple’s Vermont Maple Syrup ($11.30)
*Feel free to go crazy like Buddy the Elf, we promise not the judge!
2. VEGAN CHOCOLATE CHIPS
Give into guilty pleasures this year! It’s no wonder “cacao” got its name from a Greek phrase meaning “food for the gods”. It’s meant to be consumed by royalty so TREAT YO’ SELF, with these dairy-free semi-sweet morsels. Sprinkle these delicious little morsels into baked goods like Zucchini Muffins, or melt them down to make goodies like homemade Peanut Butter Cups.
Checkout these brands to satisfy that sweet tooth:
1. Dream Chocolate’s Baking Chips ($5.29)
2. Sunspire’s Vegan Carob Chips ($4.45)
3. Enjoy Life’s Mega Chips ($4.45)
3. VEGAN MARGARINE
Vegan Margarine is an essential baking ingredient and thankfully there are a lot of brands that make vegan versions for your baking needs. You’ll need these Vegan Margarines to make all sorts of yummy sweets and delicious dishes like Sugar Cookies, Pecan Bars, and Hot Pockets.
Check out these by CHLOE. approved brands:
1. Spectrum Naturals’ Organic All Vegetable Shortening ($6.75)
2. Earth Balance’s Organic Buttery Spread (Find in store)
3. Nutiva’s Organic Red Palm Shortening ($4.73)
4. CORNSTARCH/ARROWROOT
Cornstarch or Arrowroot… what’s the dealio? Cornstarch is a powdery substance made from (hold onto your seats…) corn! Arrowroot is a plant that can be used similarly to Cornstarch when ground into powder. So what’s the big diff? Both are vegan and used as a thickener, but Arrowroot can be healthier after the harvesting process. Try out both with our recipe for Cranberry Pear Pie.
Try some of our fav brands here:
1. Edward’s & Sons’ Organic Cornstarch ($2.98)
2. Bob’s Red Mill Cornstarch ($2.65)
3. Bob’s Red Mill Arrowroot Starch/Flour ($3.95)
