A Vegan Birthday

Some of you may recall last year's attempt at a vegan birthday cake. I believe the most favorable comment was that it was "interesting". Well this year was fabulous. All I heard was" this is delicious." It was too. I am very proud of it and happy that we all enjoyed a yummy birthday cake and that it was vegan! In fact, it was so good that I want to share the recipe. It is also very simple and easy with no fancy ingredients. MMM!!

Easy Chocolate Vegan Cake

· 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 tsp baking soda

· 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

· 1 cup sugar

· 1/2 cup mixed chopped nuts (optional)

· 1/2 cup vegetable oil

· 1/2 cup cold water or soy milk

· 1/2 cup orange juice

· 2 tsp vanilla extract

· 2 tbsp vinegar

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Sift dry ingredients into 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan. Mix liquids (except vinegar) and whisk into dry.

When batter is smooth, add vinegar and stir quickly, until it is evenly distributed. Put cake in the oven, don't let it stand around (because of the vinegar). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or longer until done.

Orange Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

· 1/2 cup vegan margarine, softened

· 1 8 ounce container vegan cream cheese

· 1 tsp vanilla

· juice and zest from one orange

· 4 cups powdered sugar

· dash orange food coloring (optional)

Preparation:

Mix together vegan margarine and cream cheese. Add vanilla, orange juice and orange zest and stir to combine.

Add powdered sugar until desired consistency is obtained and add a dash of food coloring, if desired.