Comfort &

JoyHoliday Sweets & Treats Guide 2012

I am a lover of all things confectionery. The second thing I missed after going vegan—right after crying my eyes out about cheese—was sweets. Delicious, candy-coated, baked goodness. For quite a while, I believed that my love affair with the treats of the world had come to an end.

Not so. I am happy to report that there are a variety of companies poised to fill the the void left by our favorite milk chocolates and Venti Mocha Whatsitsnames.

Plant-based chocolatiers, confectioneries, and beverage companies are supplying fantastic wares designed with all the familiar tastes we love.

Many of them are using healthier ingredients than our old favorites while crafting great flavors. There's a variety of products that are gluten-free, organic, fair trade...you name it. The only thing missing is the animal products.

I invite you to give a noteworthy vegan treat as a gift this year. You'll bring a smile to the recipient's face, and might just get a bite yourself.

Happy Holidays!

Ilena(Facebook | Twitter)

Happy Holidays!

PUMPKIN SPICE MUFFINSBabyCakes is, likely, the most well-known purveyor of gourmet vegan treats in the country.

They offer a lovely array of confections, from cupcakes to muffins. Pair one of these with Sophia's Vanilla Green tea for a perfect afternoon.$40.95 per dozen | BabyCakes NYC via GiltTaste

CUSTOM GIFT BASKETAn ideal gift for a true dessert lover.Allison's Gourmet offers a customizable gift box that can be designed to fit any recipient's taste. Choose from cookies, chocolates, caramels & more.$40 and up | Allison's Gourmet

HOLIDAY HARVEST BOXFilled with treats of a different stripe, The Fruit Guys' Harvest box comes

filled with fresh fruit and nuts to adorn a holiday table.$29 and up | FruitGuys

HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE ASSORTMENT NoWhey! Bakery offers a variety of delicious, hand-crafted treats this holiday season. All tasty, all plant-based.$25 and up | NoWhey!

FLAVOR 65 CACAO NIBSRoasted cacao nibs covered in 65% dark chocolate. These little treats have become highly favored in many circles. Dairy & gluten-free

$44.99 per 12pk. | Sweet Riot

SUGAR CUPCAKERY”S VEGAN DOZEN After the craze of the last few years, where would this list be without

cupcakes? Grab an assorted dozen of these little lovelies for someone special.

$36 per dozen | Sugar CupcakeryOvernight shipping avail.

CARROT CAKE COOKIE SANDWICHES

A traditional cake turned into a cookie, with cream cheese frosting as its filling.$12 per four pk. | LoveThyBaker via Etsy

QUATTRO NUT MIX GIFT TRAY Choose from two different assortments of roasted nuts & mixes, including pistachios, cashews, and cranberry nut mix. $38 | Fastachi

GEVALIA PASSPORT COFFEE BASKETTravel through a world of taste with selected beans from some of the finest coffee-producing regions around the globe. It includes 1 box each of Colombia, Peruvian Organic, Kenya, & Costa Rica Peaberry $34.99 | Gevalia

VICE CREAM BY JEFF ROGERSA cookbook highlighting non-dairy ice creams of every flavor. Check out the section for raw recipes.$11 | Amazon

HOT CHOCOLATE FLIGHTGive your favorite herbivore a gift worth cozying up with. The flavors range from organic English-style cocoa to traditional Mexican drinking chocolate (flavored with cinnamon and chili) and Indian Chai, filled with warming spices.

$8 | Dagoba Xocoatl$10 | Lake Champlaign$7.10 | Dagoba Chai

TEA FOR TWO GIFT SETNothing delights on a chilly winter evening like a good cup of tea. Novice sippers might forgo the experience, given the typical powdered offerings available. Treat a friend-or yourself- to a gift highlighting the best of the leaf.

Sophia's Teas offers fair-trade, vegan whole leaf teas & herbal blends for your recipient's enjoyment. The set includes a glass tea pot & three sample blends of your choice.

Select from black, herbal or variety according to your recipient's preference. Consider a batch of Santa's Brew for an added holiday treat.

SPECIAL NOTE: Use code “HappyHolidays” for 25% off your order until Dec. 26th.$30 | Sophia's Tea's

LICOR 43Premium Vanilla LiqueurHelp your favorite giftee warm up the night with a familiar toast made with all vegan ingredientsPrice varies by location

SPICED HOLIDAY NOGIngredients:

2 parts Licor 43 1½ parts vegan nog of choice 1 tbsp. pumpkin puree 1 part almond cashew cream (below) Cinnamon & nutmeg, to taste

Instructions:

1. Put all contents except cream and spices into a mixing glass.

2. Shake and strain into a rocks or martini glass.

3. Float cream on top. 4. Grate fresh cinnamon & nutmeg atop drink.

For an extra touch, infuse the liqueur with allspice, cinnamon, and cloves for 24 hours or more.

ALMOND CASHEW CREAM

1c almond milk 3/4c raw cashews ½ tsp. Vanilla extract Salt, to taste

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate until cream thickens. Mix well before use.