Give A Crash Course In Veganism - Host A Vegan Baking Party

One of the biggest factors that often stops people from going vegan is the notion that you have to sacrifice some of our most favorite foods that revolve around dairy. While it's true that finding a good cheese alternative is tough - though there are decent alternatives out there - going vegan doesn't mean giving up decadent, rich, wonderful foods. Baked goods is one area where the potential of veganism shines through. With so many alternatives for eggs, butter and milk, finding wonderful recipes for dessert is, well, a piece of cake.

A fast way to get all your friends to learn about what veganism entails and that one doesn't sacrifice amazing food in the effort to cut out animal products from the diet is to host a baking party. Who doesn't love cookies, cakes, breads and other yummy things fresh out of the oven? And when most people think you can't forgo eggs, milk and butter when baking, then baking is the ideal place to show them that indeed even the most luxurious cookies and decadent cakes can be made without any animal products at all.

A fun event that can both educate people on the potential of cutting out animal products without cutting gastronomic pleasure is by hosting a vegan baking party. Here's how it works:

1. Round up your friends and have them pick a recipe. Provide a few easy options so they can see there's nothing intimidating about excluding diary or finding substitutes. For example, this pumpkin cookie recipe is ridiculously simple, and ridiculously tasty. Provide a few of these types of recipes to get the creativity and confidence flowing.

2. Set a date and time for an afternoon of baking. Have everyone come over with their ingredients in hand. If the batter or dough can be made ahead of time, have them do the prep work before arriving so the kitchen isn't so chaotic.

3. Start baking!! Then, when everything is cooled and ready to eat, gather everyone around the table for tasting all the amazing treats. You'll all get to go through the process together, so if something doesn't quite turn out, you can talk about why and how to adjust the recipe, and you can celebrate each others' successes. Likely, everyone will be surprised at how easy - and wonderful - vegan baking can be.

4. Talk about veganism. Don't forget to bring into the conversation why veganism is a great way to go. Bring up the carbon footprint of factory farming, as well as the pitfalls of factory farming. Discuss how there are different ways to be vegan, and one doesn't have to be a strict vegan to make an impact in their personal carbon footprint. And of course, talk about all the amazing foods that can be made vegan-style.