Mucho Margarita Cupcakes

*modified from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World

1/4 cup lime juice 1 cup soymilk 1/4 cup canola oil 2.5  tablespoons tequila 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/3 cups white flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Combine wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately

Add wet to dry and mix thoroughly

Fill each cupcake paper 2/3 full

Bake for about 20 minutes

Frosting

I used store bought frosting for these (I know, shame, shame, shame) but I don't exactly have the equipment here to whip up a fluffy batch of frosting.  None the less, I made the frosting my own, adding a little lime juice and about 1 tbl tequila to 1 cup of frosting

Frost cupcakes when cooled and roll in sugar

Baking with tequila and lime is a lot of fun. It adds new kick to baked goods that I had not previously experienced.  This is a great recipe to make if you're looking for something unique and festive.  

This recipes produces cupcakes that are fluffly and delicate with a hint of tequila and lime.

Acapulco is my (other) happy place

 

 

Linda Vista, Acapulco

Mexican Coffee fired with Cinnamon and Brandy

Vita #3

Vegan Soup du jour: Creamy Garlic Tomato with Vita's Homemade Herb and Onion Bread (without which a trip to Vita would not be complete)

  When people ask me about my favorite vegan-friendly restaurant in Portland, it's difficult to choose just one.  Portland has so much to offer and where you choose to eat on any given night really comes down to what you're in the mood to eat.   If I had to choose just one restaurant though, I think I'd go with Vita Cafe.  Their Alberta Street location and huge cakes surely have an influence on my decision but I also love the atmosphere of the restaurant and diversity of food options, which have influences from all over the world.  When you go to Vita, it doesn't really matter what you're in the mood for because they have pretty much everything.   And of course, if you can't decide you can just eat a freakin huge piece of their amazing cake (of which I should eat more often so I can enlighten any blog readers who have not yet had the opportunity to endulge in a piece of Vita's cake).  

Papa G's Organic Vegan Deli on Division

For as long as I can remember, Papa G's has had a stand at the annual VegFest in Portland offering free tofu samples from their original recipes. I usually return to the stand for seconds and thirds and so on. I finally made it to their restaurant for the first time about two weeks ago. They moved from Hawthorne and now have a quaint spot on Division.  

Everything they serve is vegan (with a multitude of gluten free options) and they pride themselves as the most organic restaurant in Portland.  The dining experience is casual with good to-go options.  They have a soup and salad bar and orderable entrees at the counter.  It's a good option if you're looking to get something quick without sacrificing health and heartiness.  

 

 

Garlic mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy

 and rosemary roasted vegetables

Chili

Salad bar and sides

Dahl Soup