Ahhh...the surprising vegan treat.

When Rob and I first started dating, he was sticking to a vegan diet. I had dated vegetarians before, but never a vegan, and I was a little leery of diving into it, seeing as how I try to subsist on bacon alone when I can. (I was a rebellious and inexperienced vegetarian for years, and was done in by a BLT. Sorry, ethics police, but it's my vice.) I quickly found out what an exceptional cook Rob was, so I was excited to see what kind of vegan cuisine he would be whipping up. One of our first hang-outs involved him making me beet soup, which was sweet because it was healthy and a lovely scarlet shade, and DANG, no guy had ever made me soup before. It was a new beginning for us, so I figured I would venture into unfamiliar territory and try making a vegan dessert. I've had a soft spot for baking ever since I was young, and I decided to make a vegan chocolate cake with homemade strawberry icing. I was completely shocked when the cake not only turned out, but tasted light and delicious, and not remotely like cardboard or...i don't know...bran. When I brought my triumphant cake to a backyard hang-out, I was hoping to impress Rob, and I think I not only impressed him, but the rest of the group. It was GOOD!!! As that summer wore on, I tried more and more vegan recipes, eventually honing in on cupcakes and an occasional carrot cake. I'd like to think that my vegan cupcakes are famous within our little social circle. It's such a rush to see someone's eyes light up when you tell them that there are cupcakes to be had, and vegan nonetheless. We have a lot of friends who are very conscious of their diets, and vegan treats let them party too.

Last night I got the baking prerogative, and i made some chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. Totally vegan, totally awesome. We got a mechanical pastry bag for a wedding gift, so I've been luxuriating with that instead of having to slop my precious frosting like a bricklayer. When Rob got home from work at 4am, and kissed me as he crawled into bed, I could taste a little chocolate-y, peanut-buttery goodness in his smooch.