Baking Guide for Vegans Pt. 1
You thought we were done with veganism? Not just yet. :)
I'll finish up with the most comprehensive baking substitution guide I've found yet, for every ingredient that you're choosing not to eat anymore. The key for each one is, to find another item with similar flavor, texture, and consistency.
Dairy first:
2% skim milk becomes soy, coconut, hemp, or almond milk . For cooking sauces, coconut or almond are best. As an added bonus, most of these options can be used unsweetened, in a 1:1 ratio for milk, since they still have that slightly sweet flavor. For skim milk, whether for lower calories or the thinner texture, use rice milk. Rice milk has that thinner texture, and a milder flavor, compared to its vegan relatives.
Whipped cream often has vegan alternatives available in the store, but if not, you can make your own with coconut milk. Just chill for a few hours, remove the hardened cream from the top, and whip with a chilled electric mixer. TA-DA! VEGAN WHIPPED CREAM! ^o^
Butter is easily replaced, in a 1:1 ratio with Earth Balance non-dairy spread, coconut oil, or non-hydrogenated shortening. The key is making sure the brand does not have any hidden dairy ingredients, like whey, butterfat, milk solids, etc. For the coconut oil, unrefined will keep the coconut-y flavor, and refined will taste and bake similar to shortening. Either way, maintain solid coconut oil, for baking, by chilling below room temperature.
Condensed milk can be made vegan with 2 cups of full-fat coconut milk and 2 cups of sugar. Just heat on medium heat, until boiling, then simmer to reduce half the volume. If it's buttermilk you need instead, then mix 1 TB lemon juice per 8 ounces of non-dairy milk, After 5 minutes, it should be curdled and ready to be used 1:1 for buttermilk.
Sour cream and cream cheese already have vegan alternatives, but for homemade, soak 2 cups of raw cashews, then blend with 2 TB of lemon juice, adding water just until smooth and creamy. Both of these can used 1:1, but store-brands usually contains soy.
Lastly, if you want that creamer for your coffee, you can either buy one of the many store-stocked options, or just use full-fat coconut milk. Just store at room temperature and shake well before using.
Lots of great new ways to go vegan and still get creative in the kitchen! Be sure to incorporate gluten-free, grain-free Jah Manna Vegan NotBreads for all your pizza and sandwich needs too! ;) Stay tuned for nifty new egg substitutes next week.
