Back to Revelling in Plants

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and my two-year hiatus from blogging is a testament to that. Despite the long break, the blog has always been on my mind. A recent conversation with my cousin made me realize that my perfectionism was holding me back. I kept postponing my return, waiting for a better design, plugins, photography, and even a better kitchen. However, I now understand that my true passion lies in creating recipes, and anything else is just an excuse.

Embracing Imperfection

Perfectionism can be a significant barrier, especially for creative pursuits. While it’s great to challenge yourself and strive for better, it’s counter intuitive if this holds you back. At the core of it, I love creating recipes, and that’s what truly matters. So here I am, ready to share, imperfections and all.

A Focus on Whole Foods

Over the past couple of years, I’ve completely cut out sugar and gluten from my diet and am very selective about using oil. However, you won’t find me avoiding fruits because of their natural sugar content. As long as it’s whole food plant-based, I’m in. I’m committed to sharing recipes that are not only delicious but also versatile and inclusive, catering to various dietary needs - but of course, always plant-based!

No gluten? No problem!

One ingredient I love using is buckwheat flour. It’s a fantastic gluten-free alternative that adds a moist and fluffy texture to baked goods. Buckwheat is rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. According to Healthline, buckwheat can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, making it a heart-healthy choice. Its high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight by providing a feeling of fullness.

Anyhow, let’s get to the recipe. I’ve got a delicious Buckwheat Chocolate Cake. The perfect cakey texture can at times be hard to achieve with gluten-free baked goods, but this cake has the right combination of ingredients that helps us achieve that perfect moist crumb and slightly crunchy crust.

Ingredients Breakdown

Buckwheat Flour: This gluten-free flour is the star of the recipe. It gives the cake a moist and fluffy texture while adding a nutty flavor. Buckwheat flour is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to regular flour.

Cacao Powder: This ingredient provides the rich chocolate flavor in the cake. Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder, retaining more of the natural antioxidants and nutrients found in the cacao bean. But in this recipe, either will work.

Cocoa Butter: This adds a creamy texture and enhances the chocolate flavor. Cocoa butter is a healthy fat derived from the cacao bean, contributing to the cake’s richness without adding refined oils. Though in a pinch, you can substitute another oil, bearing in mind this will have an impact on flavour.

Pumpkin Puree: Acting as a fat replacer, pumpkin puree keeps the cake moist without making it taste like pumpkin. It also adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and potassium.

Pure Monk Fruit Extract: This natural sweetener is an excellent alternative to sugar. It’s much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed. Monk fruit extract has no calories and doesn’t affect blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake.

Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, ensuring it’s light and fluffy. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like cacao powder) to create carbon dioxide bubbles that make the cake rise.

Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor of the cake, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. Even a small amount of vanilla extract can make a significant difference in baked goods.

Almond Milk (or any plant-based milk): This liquid ingredient helps bind the dry ingredients together, creating a smooth batter. Almond milk is a popular plant-based option that keeps the recipe dairy-free.

Moving Forward

Returning to blogging has reminded me of the joy I find in creating and sharing recipes. Perfectionism no longer holds me back, and I’m excited to share my culinary adventures with you all. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, or just looking for wholesome recipes, there’s something here for everyone. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes that cater to various dietary needs and lifestyles.