Sweets and More Sweets

I've been trying to bake a little more to entice the kids to want to eat better.  We tried these Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were devoured.  

 We also made Apple Walnut Breakfast Bread from Forks Over Knives and I would definitely recommend making it!  Everyone loved it and I think you could add in anything you like to make it your own.  It was perfect for a quick breakfast.  

(Sorry no photos)

I also made Chocolate Donuts that I found on Pinterest.  They can be gluten free, but I used whole wheat flour instead of gluten free. 

I made these the night before and put them in a sealed container.  I also made the glaze the night before and it hardened up like chocolate candy.  I had to heat it up in the microwave to get it soft again. 

 (I included her notes because I thought they were helpful).

DONUTS

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) aquafaba* (the liquid in a can of chickpeas)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened plain almond milk (warmed in the microwave or on stovetop)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup (63 g) organic cane sugar or coconut sugar (donuts are fluffier with cane sugar)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup (80 g) unsweetened applesauce (or other hearty fruit puree, such as beets)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 cup + 1 Tbsp (70 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (if clumpy, sift)
• 3/4 cup (140 g) almond flour*
• 1 cup + 2 Tbsp (180 g) gluten-free flour blend*

GLAZE optional

• 3 Tbsp (45 g) coconut oil, melted
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
• 5 Tbsp (28 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (if clumpy, sift)
• Pinch sea salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and lightly grease two donut pans*.
2. To a small mixing bowl, add aquafaba and use a mixer (or whisk) to vigorously blend until soft peaks form - about 1-2 minutes. Set aside. (If yours doesn’t quite whip up into soft peaks, it’s OK. Just get them as fluffy as possible! A sprinkle of cream of tartar helps them firm up.)
3. Warm almond milk in the microwave. This way, it doesn’t harden the coconut oil. Set aside.
4. To a large mixing bowl, add the melted coconut oil. Then add the coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt and whisk vigorously to combine - about 45 seconds. Then add applesauce and warmed almond milk and whisk once more to combine.
5. Add baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder (sifted if clumpy), almond flour, and gluten-free flour and whisk to combine.
6. Lastly, add the whipped aquafaba and gently stir/whisk in, trying to be as gentle as possible. If the batter appears too thin at this point, add 1 Tbsp each almond flour or gluten-free flour at a time until it thickens up. It should be semi-thick and more scoopable than pourable.
7. Divide batter evenly between donut tins, filling all the way full. There should be 11-12 donuts.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top appears dry and fluffy. Time will vary if you sub ingredients.
9. In the meantime, make glaze (optional). To a small mixing bowl, add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, sifted cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. You should have a slightly thick glaze. If too thick, thin with a little maple syrup or more coconut oil. If too thin, add cocoa powder.
10. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup. Set aside. Prepare any other toppings, such as coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or sprinkles, at this time.
11. Remove donuts from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Then grab the tins with a towel and tap on the counter 2 times to loosen. Then gently invert onto a cooling rack. Let cool for 5 minutes (the longer they cool, the more they'll firm up).
12. Dip in glaze. Then top with desired toppings, such as sprinkles, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs!
13. Best when fresh. Store cooled leftovers covered at room temperature up to 3 days or in the freezer up to 1 month (best if stored unglazed).

Notes

*Aquafaba is the "egg" in this recipe. Alternatively, you can try subbing 1 1/2 flax eggs (or 1 small egg if not vegan).
*I've been preferring almond flour over almond meal because it yields a lighter, fluffier (less dense) baked good. But you can try subbing almond meal. Or, if you have a nut allergy, try subbing a 1/2 +1/2 mix of GF flour and oat flour.
*If not gluten-free, sub the GF blend for all-purpose flour. I haven't tested it this way and can't guarantee the results. 
*If you don't have donut pans, you can try baking these in a standard muffin tin! Fill slightly more than 1/2 full and bake for about the same amount of time or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
*Recipe adapted from my Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake.

I was totally amazed at how the chickpea liquid whipped up just like an egg white would!

*My disclaimer*

These were super chocolatey!

And that means a lot coming from me!

I would almost say I liked them better with out the glaze.  You definitely need a big glass of milk with these!

Kid approved!!

 While Jennifer and Family were here, we did make some meals, but I have no pictures and no time to post the recipes.  I will just let you know what we made.  I tried a Shepherd's Pie recipe that was just, ok.  I have found other shepherd's pies recipes that sound better, so I think I'll try one of those next time.  We also made Matt Moore's Enchiladas from the Forks Over Knives website, which I liked.  Caleb ate it, but the other kids did not like it.  I'm trying a couple of new recipes tonight and I hope they're good (we invited friends over).  I'll be sure to post them if they are!