Restaurant Review: Sugar Mama's Bakeshop

After you go vegan or plant-based, one of the first cravings that you get is usually for something sweet. I hadn't even entertained the idea that there were baked goods made without animal products, and upon doing a quick search of vegan cupcakes, I found Sugar Mama's Bakeshop. Located on South 1st, their menu boasts vegan and non-vegan baked goods. I've made several visits here already, but during my last, there were several vegan options available to my delight.

This is right across the road from Bouldin Creek Cafe, and we walked to Sugar Mama's after dinner at Bouldin one night. I had never seen so many vegan options and was amazed at the choices. My husband snagged two banana split cupcakes and I bought myself one red velvet and one pumpkin cupcake. We chatted with one of the employees, who informed us that they do lots of custom orders, as well. 

The interior has a retro feel and the cases that hold the baked goods looks vintage, as well. I wish I had snapped a photo of the menu, which was written in chalk on a huge board behind the display cases. The employees have always been super friendly and more than helpful when I have a quick question about a vegan product. 

If you're looking to order a dozen custom vegan cupcakes, a pie for the holidays or have been craving a cupcake, swing by Sugar Mama's today!

Broccoli Cheeze Soup

My grandmother visited me a couple months ago and one of the first things she asked me was if I missed her broccoli and cheese soup. Of course I did... They were feeding it to me at the wee age of six months old! She didn't fully understand my desire or motivation to go plant-based in February 2012, but was almost tempting me by just getting me to think about it. Since then, I've kept my eyes peeled for something similar, and while this one doesn't taste exactly like hers, it definitely satisfied my cravings!

Broccoli Cheeze Soup
yields 6 bowls of soup

2 heads of broccoli, destemmed and chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cups unsweetened almond milk
3 cups water
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp. Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. parsley
6 tablespoons cornstarch

1. Steam broccoli and onion in a medium pan with 2 cups water for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine the rest of the ingredients in another pot and stir with whisk until smooth over medium heat.
3. Sauce will begin to thicken after a few minutes. If too thick, thin out with almond milk. If too thin, thicken with additional cornstarch.
4. Add steamed broccoli and onion to the cheeze sauce.
5. Serve with pepper to taste.

Food Trailer Review: Capital City Bakery

A couple of coworkers told me about Capital City Bakery after I was a few months in to my vegan journey. It was a little while longer before I was able to check it out, but I attended a Vegan Pizza Party that they hosted in July 2012 and met some really great people. I brought a box of goodies home to my non-vegan friends and family that were visiting, and they devoured them. Since then, I've visited several times and have enjoyed multiple treats, including cupcakes and cookies. All have been super tasty and I am proud to say I have a frequent buyer punch card!

I didn't know what to expect when I discovered there were cupcakes and cookies available that were made without cow's milk and eggs. At Capital City Bakery, they have moist and sweet treats for just about everyone! While I tried my first vegan treat, I just kept thinking how amazing it all tasted. Every time I go, I have to be sure to bring home a treat for my husband, as well.  

Capital City Bakery's food trailer is parked on Rio Grande St. and MLK Blvd. beside Conscious Cravings. The location is great and it's not too far from my office. This means venturing out to snag a treat every once in a while to break up the work day. I've tasted a variety of different options available and have loved them all! So if you've gone vegan and still have a sweet tooth (and you know you do), head on over to Capital City Bakery soon!