A very vegan birthday to you!

My stepfather has been experimenting with veganism for the past eight weeks and has experienced fabulous success with weight loss, lowered cholesterol, and general good feelings.

I wanted to make him dinner for his birthday, but as a true dairy lover (aka cheese addict) and occasional meat eater, I had my doubts as to how much I'd enjoy tonight's dinner (especially dessert).  Let it be known, I was pleasantly surprised.

Thank you Google, for once again pointing me in the right direction.  Bonnie, from Going Home to Roost deserves a medal, because her Vanilla Vegan Birthday Cake was UNREAL! (Purple text below from her blog.)

ingredients

2 cups cake flour
3/4 cup organic sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup water
2 tbs earth balance butter
2 tbs coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla flavoring
1 tsp lemon juice

*this makes just enough for one layer. for the above cake, i made this recipe 2 times, once for each round cake layer (don’t try to double it!).

directions

preheat the oven to 350 degrees. combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl (flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and powder) and mix together.

in a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients (water, earth balance, coconut oil, vanilla, lemon juice) and mix together.

slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix slowly until it is well combined. a few little lumps will remain.

pour the batter into a lightly greased cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes  or until a knife can be inserted into the middle and come out clean.

remove and let cool for at least 30 minutes before icing.

icing recipe

- adapted from oh she glows:

ingredients

1/2 cup earth balance butter, at room temperature
3 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla flavoring
2 tbsp coconut creamer

directions

place the 1/2 cup earth balance butter in a mixing bowl, and beat on high as you gradually add in the coconut creamer, vanilla extract and salt. continue to mix for 3-4 minutes. as it continues to beat, slowly start adding your 3 cups of sifted confectioners sugar. beat on high for another 5-10 minutes to achieve a really fluffy, smooth texture.'

(x2 to cover each layer)

Dessert in review: I'll never be able to give up my cheddar, but I might be a birthday cake convert...  This was really good!

 For dinner, we had my husband Jake's classic fried rice...  easy and delicious.

• Prepare 4+ cups rice (white or brown) in a rice cooker or on stove top
• Saute chopped broccoli and carrots in vegetable oil
• When veggies start to often, add equal parts soy sauce and hot sauce, to taste
• When rice is done, add to veggie pan adding soy/hot sauce as needed
• Serve and enjoy!  Non-vegans can add some scrambled eggs to this mixture for a little protein kick

I was going to take a picture of the rice itself, but it was eaten up before I had a chance...  That should be a testament to the taste!