So here is my contribution for this year’s World Wide Vegan Bake Sale. We raised more than last year, and it went to Austin Pets Alive. I made vegan black forest cupcakes: Chocolate cake with cherries an chocolate chunks, topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate ganache drizzle, and a cherry!

Thanks again to Leslie for organizing this event!

April 2010 marks two years that I’ve been vegan, and over six years since I went vegetarian! One of the best personal decisions that I’ve made for myself. I’m excited about all of the things I’ve yet to learn.

I’m also a little over 50 lbs down from my highest weight 6 months ago, with only 30 to go! Getting healthy, y’all. :)

When I moved to Austin, I remember the first time I went to Wheatsville Co-op. I got down on some popcorn tofu like it was going out of style. A year later, I now live closer to Wheatsville and discovered their Mac ‘n’ Cheese with broccoli in their new hot bar. I suggest all you Austinites try it at some point, but for those of you who don’t live in Austin (or you poor college kids who can’t afford the luxuries of prepared pasta dishes), here is my tribute to the Wheatsville Mac ‘n’ Cheese with broccoli. This recipe is probably not close to the real thing at all, but it works for cravings!

Co-op Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Makes 2 generous servings

• 2-3 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1T All Purpose flour
• 1/2c Water
• 1/4c Vegan Margarine (or canola oil)
• 1/4t Turmeric
• 1/4t Cumin
• 1/2t Salt
• 1/8t White Pepper
• 1/2t Paprika
• 1t Garlic Powder
• 1/2t Tamari or Soy Sauce (Optional, in my opinion)

Note: If using margarine, you’ll want to combine your ingredients in a small saucepan in order to melt the margarine. If using oil, heating the cheese sauce is not really necessary (the hot pasta will heat it up), so you can just use a medium sized bowl.

Combine the nutritional yeast and flour. Add water, and stir. Add the rest of the ingredients, and if using margarine, cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, just until margarine is melted. If using oil, I just add the oil last and make sure everything is mixed well. Combine cheese sauce with hot cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and serve warm!

If you are watching your calories, you can substitute the oil/margarine with water. I’d start with 2-3 tablespoons, and go from there to achieve the correct consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken a little bit when combined with the hot pasta.