Vegan Apple Pie Cupcakes

Are you craving something a little more decadent than your average vanilla cupcake? Well you've come to the right place! I honestly think these are some of the best cakes I've ever made - so I just had to share my recipe! I hope you enjoy these delicious treats as much as I do. Happy Baking! 

Ingredients 

Cakes

1 ½ cups self-raising flour

1 cup caster sugar

 ½ tsp salt

¾ cup soy milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp vanilla extract/essence

Stewed Apples

2 cooking apples

1 tbsp lime juice

1 maple syrup

dash of cinnamon

Icing

325g dairy free margarine

2 ½ cups icing sugar

Dash of cinnamon

1tsp vanilla extract

Method 

1. Pre-heat oven to 160°C (320°F).

2. Combine flour, caster sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, soy milk, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until everything is smooth and combined.

5. For the stewed apples: Peel, core and dice your apples and place them in a saucepan with your lime juice, maple syrup and cinnamon. Stew on a low heat until the apples are tender. You might want to add a little bit of water to help the apples simmer.

6. Drain any excess liquid from the stewed apples, and add the fruit to your cake mixture. Scoop the batter into your cupcake tin and bake for 30 mins or until a skewer comes out clean.

7. Once your cupcakes have baked and cooled, you are ready to start the icing. Cream your margarine and icing sugar together. Add a little bit of icing sugar at a time so that the process doesn’t become too messy. Then add your cinnamon and vanilla extract, and continue beating until all is creamy and combined.

8. Generously frost your cupcakes and enjoy!

Vegan Dumplings

Ingredients

*Dumpling wrappers

*Himalayan salt

*Sugar

*Soy sauce

*Vegetables of choice, I used finely chopped:

-Mushrooms

-Carrots

-Onions

-Potatoes

-Broccoli

-Peas

-Corn

-Tomato

Method

Boil your potatoes.

While the potatoes are boiling, begin stir-frying your onion until it becomes almost clear. Once done, add the rest of your vegetables and continue cooking.

Add salt, sugar and soy sauce to taste.

Mash potatoes once cooked through, and add to the stir-fried vegetables. 

Take a dumpling wrapper and add some filling to the centre. Don’t add too much or the filling could pop out the sides.

Fold the wrapper over and squeeze edges together. (Rub a bit of water around the edges to help it stick). Use a fork to crimp the edges.

Pop your dumplings in boiling water, and cook until they float.

Enjoy your super easy, super tasty, super healthy dumplings!!

Bella x

My Travel Essentials

Hey everyone!

In a day’s time, I will be setting off on a little overseas adventure. I’ve had my fair share of travelling, and I reckon I know a thing or two about packing a carry-on bag. So what better time than to share my travel essentials!

Bag

Some people like to take a fair bit on the plane with them, but I myself like to take to take as little as possible. I recommend using a small backpack or rucksack; that way you can swing your belongings over your shoulder and don’t have to worry about carrying extra baggage. Another great thing about a light backpack is that when on the plane you can keep it by your feet. This is so much easier than having to go to the overhead compartment every time you need something!

Missguided - Front tassel retro rucksack 

Skin Care and Makeup

I’m someone who doesn’t like to wear makeup on long flights. I find that it dries my skin out even more on a plane and it just isn’t necessary for me. But I understand that we all want to look a little more fresh-faced when we get off our flight, so I always pack…

·      * Concealer – to brighten up my eyes and cover any blemishes that I might have

·      * Powder – to to set my concealer and absorb any excess oil throughout the day

I also like to go into the bathroom and give my face a quick wash to freshen myself up before I land.

·      * Facemasks – Flying can really dry your skin out, so a sheet mask is a great way to hydrate your face! I also use masks to help me calm down and relax when I’m feeling anxious. You may look silly on the plane haha, but a bit of luxury will give you something to do when you’re bored, and your skin will definitely thank you! Plus, this is a fun activity you can do with your friends!

·     *  Lip balm – much like your skin, your lips can also dry out fast. I recommend using Lucas’ Papaw ointment to moisturise your pout in a flash! 

Hair

I hate having to constantly do my hair or worry about whether it looks decent. So I almost always have my hair braided in 2 little Dutch braids. This tends to hold really well and keeps my hair off my face. My other option is chucking my hair up in a messy bun with a scrunchie. Scrunchies are great because it keep hair off the face, and doesn’t tangle and dent your hair like a hair tie would.

 

Outfit

·      * Warm jumper – Planes can get really cold, and there’s nothing worse than freezing on an 8-hour flight! I always wear an oversized hoodie to keep warm and snuggly!

·      * Cosy socks – I find fluffy bed socks really comfortable and warm. Wearing these makes me feel more snuggly and also helps me feel less anxious. They just make me more feel more comfortable and homely. (I sip these on once I’m on the plane)

·      * Leggings/sweatpants – Comfort and warmth is key. When you’re sitting down for hours you want to wear something simple and easy to relax in.

Miscellaneous

·     *  Passport – You won’t get far without this one!

·      * Headphones – to listen to music or watch movies throughout your journey.

·  * Phone – Travelling includes a lot of waiting around, so take your phone to keep you occupied.

·      * Book

·     *  Gum – It keeps you feeling and smelling fresh when on a crowded plane, and can also help prevent blocked ears from the change in air pressure.

·     * Camera – You never know when you might want to snap a cool shot! Of course, you can use your phone as a camera, but I like to take a digital camera as well.

·      * Tissues – This is just a must have. You never know when you’ll need a handy tissue!

·      * Band-aids/plasters – I always keep some in my bag just in case I get a blister or a random cut somewhere.

·      * Sunglasses – in case it’s sunny while I’m out and about.

·      * Chargers – to charge my phone and camera whilst in the airport or on the plan.

·    * Medication – I always travel with some pain killers and travel sickness medication. And don’t forget to pack any other medication you specifically need!  

Enjoy any upcoming trips! Hopefully my travel essentials will help you pack for your adventures. Travel safe! 

Bella x