Comments on: Naturally Sweet and Savory Treats

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:36:11 +0000

When you do cookbook reviews, the photos are always gorgeous and convincing enough to make me want to buy the books!

By: Lacey

Lacey — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:30:55 +0000

While in general I tend to be of the thinking that dessert is for splurging, I have been known to sneak some whole wheat pastry flour in and I love substituting bananas for eggs!

By: veggienextdoor

veggienextdoor — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:16:28 +0000

I don’t really “substitute” ingredients, since with my luck the recipes don’t turn out too well, but I do have criteria when I am looking for recipes for desserts. I look for ones with no more than a couple tablespoons of added oil (if it calls for 3/4 cups of oil – I’m not making it!), only a reasonable amount of sugar or natural substitutes, and only whole grain flours. I’ve had the best luck with desserts centered around fruits.

By: Elisabeth @CzechVegan

Elisabeth @CzechVegan — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:13:31 +0000

I replaced eggs with apple sauce or soy yogurt, I try to use organic ingredients as much as possible,non-aluminum baking powder,no artificial coloring (I use fruit and vegetable juice to color my icing or batter).

By: Sally

Sally — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:56:53 +0000

You’re the third person to rave about that book, so I’m becoming convinced I need it! I’ve started using nut butters alot, since my kids love making them at the store. I ended up with lots due to their enthusiasm, and we’ve discovered some great cookies that way.

By: Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger)

Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:58:25 +0000

These all look lovely. I’ve been substituting half the white flour with whole wheat, and swapping out some of the oil for applesauce. Works really well!

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:56:58 +0000

I generally cut down on the oil with applesauce or mashed bananas (bananas make everything better is my motto!)

By: DJ Karma

DJ Karma — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 04:25:13 +0000

I’ll have to get that book, just to make that bread!

By: Bunny

Bunny — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:57:27 +0000

Love your blog, Hannah!
I became a vegetarian at age 13 & have been a vegetarian for 41 (!) years. Though married to a carnivore, my husband & I raised wonderfully healthy kids who have been strict vegetarians since birth. I am always looking at ways to cook healthier and am known in my family for my cooking “surprises” (experiments). Though I have some great vegetarian brownie recipes (I also don’t eat eggs), it always bothered me that I couldn’t simply use a store-bought brownie mix. For most of my life, I’ve been trying to adapt a store-bought mix and make it vegetarian AND delicious AND have it look like normal brownies. You name it, I’ve tried it. Finally, last year I figured it out. Use any name-brand brownie mix, and simply add 1 can of pureed black beans (don’t drain) and 1/4-1/2 cup water. Of course, add nuts and dried fruit to the batter to make the brownies really gourmet. No eggs or oil are needed. Bake at 350-degrees until you can stick a knife in and it comes out clean. EVERYONE really loves these. I’ve tried this pureed black bean trick with other baking recipes, and have successfully made carrot cake and chocolate cake. It’s a simple way to add protein and fiber to desserts, and makes you feel not quite as guilty when indulging!
Keep on Cooking!

By: Meredyth

Meredyth — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:08:13 +0000

I replace oil with plain greek yogurt, applesauce, fruit puree, or baby food! Also, I add espresso powder or coffee to chocolate desserts to enhance the chocolate flavor (sometimes reducing the need for added sugar!). I also like to add ground oats instead of flour, and use only egg whites instead of whole eggs.