Hi, my name is Jenna and I am a chunky almond butter ADDICT.
Seriously, this stuff is like crack to me! I just bought this jar on Saturday and already it is half gone. To give myself a little credit though, I did use 6 tbsp of it in the super charge me cookies…but still! I can’t get enough. Heather and Polly were talking about how many servings are really in that golden jar and I’m going to have to agree with them about five. Maybe 7 if you stretch it.
On another note: I am so tired. So, so, so, SO tired. Last night was one of my “bad” sleeping nights…….I went to bed at 7 and didn’t fall asleep until probably 12:30….clocking in at about 2 hours of sleep. I was doing so well last week and really thought I conquered my sometimes insomnia problem so last night was really discouraging! I was just about asleep and then I heard my mom come home and the dog barking, and I woke up and just couldn’t get myself back into sleep-mode. It would be different if I lived alone and could totally live in a cave at night, but the fact of the matter is that I share a wall with an 18 year old boy (think xbox sounds all night long) and a house with 3 other people that are on an opposite sleeping schedule. I’m sure it won’t be this tough forever, but GEEZ!
So, this morning in my zombie-like state, I managed to prepare a banana with pb before work:
And then I was actually quite excited about my breakfast…for good reason! It was awesome!
Last night I combined 1/2 cup muesli with 1 Voskos yogurt in my tupperware and then this morning at work, I added a spoonful of almond butter, some blueberries and a drizzle of preserves. Fantastic! I got this idea from a reader actually who said that she likes to soak her muesli overnight in yogurt. The muesli becomes softer and the yogurt soaked it all up….very good and VERY filling! I will definitely be re-creating this breakfast bowl in the very soon future. After this meal, I was definitely set for the next 5 hours til’ lunch.
Speaking of lunch, the almond butter came out again!!! I couldn’t help myself….I am a magnet to it.
One toasted Kashi Go Lean waffle with another big scoop of almond butter and preserves. With strawberries on the side. Love that melty almond goodness!
I was supposed to go to the Y this afternoon with Sarah but was waaay too tired. Instead, I took a walk with my mom and Mikan for 1 hr and 10 minutes! We didn’t mean to walk that far but the weather was gorgeous and the fresh air felt great to my exhausted body. When we got back, I ate a very early light dinner. I haven’t felt very well all day and soup sounded amazing. Chicken noodle to be exact. I usually don’t really like chicken noodle, but tonight it was awesome!
And my mom made a homemade caesar with sourdough croutons (from sourdough I baked at work today). Major garlic yum!
And I saved the best for last——-
LOOK at these beauties! Vegan chocolate cupcakes with vegan fluffy buttercream. The recipe can be found either here or in Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. These were spectacular today. Everyone at work LOVED them! And when I say loved them, I mean my boss took a sample over to our store manager AND events planner and they both loved them so much that they are going to be a staple in our bakery now! The store manager wants us to use the recipe to make large cakes as well….layer cakes, birthday cakes…maybe even wedding cakes! They are much cheaper to make than regular cake because they don’t contain eggs or dairy and I whipped up a batch in about 15 minutes. I am making a much larger batch tomorrow and possibly experimenting with flavors….we think they will be a big hit! And, of course, I HAD to buy TWO! =)
So, for dessert, I had half of one. Half because one of these cupcakes is about twice the size of a normal cupcake. They are MASSIVE!
Total bliss. I moaned in pleasure as I ate and cried out to my mom that that moment was, hands down, the best part of my day.
They’re vegan….so they’re healthy…….right??!!! 😉
And, yes, I ate dinner at 4 pm eastern time and, yes, I hope to be asleep by 6:30. I’m very ready for humpday and praying for a better night’s rest tonight!!
Sarah (Tales of Expansion)
February 24, 2009 at 3:57 pmgood luck sleeping tonight!
i just had a guest post on my blog yesterday about similar cupcakes, and i’ve been drooling over them since. i need to try some vegan baking! good for you for not being afraid to share your ideas to change things up at work!
and ahhhhh waffle and pb sandwich, mmmmm. can you tell it’s snacktime now?
polly
February 24, 2009 at 3:58 pmJenna… fellow almond butter addict. I LOVE YOU! 🙂
Okay girl.. your talent is exploding across the Greenwise land now.. they will soon see they have a culinary ROCK STAR in the midst.
Girl… did you HAVE to put up that pic of BANANAS on your blog? You are killing me, girl….
I totally ate supper at 4:30pm. I think it’s time for Bingo, then Little House on the Praire, then a hymm sing, then lights out at 7:30pm here at the Jenna-Polly retirement village. 😉 hehehe
XOXO
Becca A
February 24, 2009 at 4:05 pmHope tonight’s sleep goes better! The cupcakes look fantastic and that is awesome how much they enjoyed them!
leadingladylis
February 24, 2009 at 4:14 pmDrool. Those cupcakes look so magnificent. I want to be a baker! They’re almost black with chocolateyness.
Kati
February 24, 2009 at 4:14 pmYour food looks so delish today! I actually made some muesli very similar to this for b-fast yesterday…and loved it! And the cupcakes look awesome! Hope you get some shut-eye 🙂
Michelle
February 24, 2009 at 4:24 pmThe looked at the cupcake recipe..it looks divine. There’s a recipe called ‘Depression Cake’ and it too is vegan. It’s incredible..
.it’s on all recipes.com. Everytime I make it people think that they’re eating this incredibly difficult recipe..but alas it’s so easy to make. YUMMY!
Have you dabbled in gluten free baking? Baking w/ almond meal (That’s all I can eat)
Anyways, they look divine. I hope that you got some much needed sleep. I had one of those nights last night as well.
Michelle
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
February 24, 2009 at 4:27 pmGirl, I wish I was goin to bed at 6:30! I will be going to bed when you are waking up tomorrow. You are becoming quite the superstar at Greenwise! Can’t wait to check the cup cakes out =)
Oh, and I totally understand the younger brother wall-sharing thing!! My brother is in his screamer music stage.YIKES!
Hope tonight is much better for you!
heather
February 24, 2009 at 4:31 pmvegan cupcakes take over the world is my favorite dessert cookbook in the world. it’s one of those cookbooks where every recipe is great, and even better, the simpler ones are often the tastiest. i made my boyfriend the cookies & cream variation on the chocolate cupcake last night because he loves oreos, and he pretty much died from happiness. they are so delicious!
VeggieGirl
February 24, 2009 at 4:31 pmHOLY YUM, DEAR JENNA!!
Kiersten
February 24, 2009 at 4:32 pmEverything in Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World is amazing!
I am a nut butter addict too. Peanut butter is my favorite, but I eat lots of almond butter too.
Nicole
February 24, 2009 at 4:34 pmIn my little word, vegan desserts are healthy and have no calories 😀
I must drive my neighbors crazy with my xbox video games sounds all night!
Emily
February 24, 2009 at 4:35 pmI love almond butter!
Those cupcakes look AMAZING!!!!!
Hope you get some rest tonight and wake up feeling refreshed!
Natalie
February 24, 2009 at 4:35 pmI bought a jar of AB on Thursday, and I’ll have it finished by tomorrow!
It is a must for those awesome waffles sammies. 🙂
And those cupcakes look beyond amazing!!!!
FoodsThatFit
February 24, 2009 at 4:45 pmWow those cupcakes look delicous! Sorry about the sleeping problems! Your breakfast looks so delicious and filling! I will have to try the yogurt and muesli trick!
Erin
February 24, 2009 at 4:51 pmAlmond butter just disappears! Ha, I swear! I’ve never had such a problem with nut butter until this stuff. Yum.
Those cupcakes look absolutely incredible. Good luck sleeping!
Marissa
February 24, 2009 at 4:55 pmThose cupcakes look divine!
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
February 24, 2009 at 5:02 pmYou are killin’ me with the almond butter. I could eat it at every meal. I’m at the end of my jar, so it is super chunky.
The cupcakes are lovely! I’m so glad they were such a hit. Good job on taking a chance…it definitely paid off!
Katharine
February 24, 2009 at 5:08 pmJenna,
I totally feel you on the not sleeping well thing. While I don’t have to be up until 6:30 am during the week, I have been having major anxiety at bedtime and have been unable to fall asleep until 1 sometimes 2 in the morning! I hate that panicky feeling that starts to set in when you start counting the minutes of sleep you are losing! Ahhh…just wanted you to know that I totally feel your pain!
Better luck sleeping tonight and those cupcakes look DELISH!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance)
February 24, 2009 at 5:13 pmI LOVE vegan cupcakes take over the world!!!!
K
February 24, 2009 at 5:16 pmAhhhh good luck sleeping!! YAY! Be proud, Jenna! Those cupcakes sound fantastic 🙂
Shelby
February 24, 2009 at 5:37 pmNow I must find some chunky almond butter, holy yum!
I agree, even when I measure the nut butter out, it doens’t have as many servings as they say, lame!
I LOVE soaking my oats in yogurt overnight, especially in summertime.
Jenna! I’m so impressed with the Vegan cupcakes! But I shouldn’t be surprised you are an amazing baker!
Alessa
February 24, 2009 at 5:39 pmthis is kind of a random question, but im just curious! how does that work with you using someone’s recipe in the store? does it even matter? i dont know if thats a ridiculous thought, but just wondering!
they look delicious, i may need to give them a whirl!
Kate
February 24, 2009 at 5:42 pmHave you tried sleeping with earplugs? I use them to filter out night noises, but can still always hear my alarm easily in the morning. It might help make it feel a little more cave-like even when you can’t control your surroundings.
Kailey (SnackFace)
February 24, 2009 at 5:51 pmEverything you ate today looks marvelous! Those cupcakes, oh those cupcakes! I’m sorry about the insomnia bouts. I deal with the same thing sometimes, and even if my roomie is quiet, I still feel like her energy keeps me awake. For example, if she’s out in the living room watching TV, I still feel as though her awakeness (not a word) affects my ability to sleep. I have no solutions, obviously. I do recommend earplugs and a sleepmask, though. Good luck with the sleep tonight!
Matt
February 24, 2009 at 5:54 pmCurrently craving cupcakes….
Bec
February 24, 2009 at 5:59 pmcongrats on the cupcake success!
Anna
February 24, 2009 at 6:03 pmI love that you’re bringing vegan goodies to the masses. Nice work!
Alison
February 24, 2009 at 6:21 pmI second the earplugs- I sleep with them in almost every night because my roommates, although they try to be quiet, are really very loud. Then I bought several different types of ear plugs at CVS and have found some brands fit my ears better than others. It’s just trial and error but they really work.
Also, I second the question on using other peoples recipes in he store. How does that work?
Katie
February 24, 2009 at 6:26 pmI third it. It’s it like copyright infringement to use someone else’s recipe?
Meg
February 24, 2009 at 6:37 pmHope you get some sleep! I am so glad the vegan cupcakes were a huge success! They look delicious!
Megan
February 24, 2009 at 6:45 pmHey Jenna, it’s Megan…Gina’s friend:-) I just wanted to say thank you so much again for the cookies!!!! They were DELICIOUS. It was so nice to meet you too! Hopefully next time we’ll be able to hit up the raw cafe for some icecream:-)
Hope you get some rest!
Sam
February 24, 2009 at 6:56 pmHey Jenna, I am a reader and I am in Australia for 6 months. They have so much museli, almost as many choices as they do cereal. Hope you have a great day!
Leanne
February 24, 2009 at 7:03 pmHope you get a better night’s sleep tonight!
Sarah
February 24, 2009 at 7:06 pmI hope this doesn’t sound rude, but I’m honestly curious – there aren’t any legal implications for taking a recipe that is not your own (and is presumably copyrighted) and then selling the product via a corporation that is in no way affiliated with the copyrighter to make a profit? It seems like copying a video and then charging for showings…
Laura
February 24, 2009 at 7:09 pmI understand how you go through almond butter so fast! It’s one of my favorite foods.
Those cupcakes look so incredible!
Susan
February 24, 2009 at 7:12 pmMmm…I always add dry oatmeal to yogurt overnight to make it nice and mushy 🙂 Embrace that almond butter addiction!
Erin
February 24, 2009 at 7:26 pmHave you thought about getting ear plugs? I used to live with really loud roommates, and it made all the difference.
I know what you mean about almond butter – I can’t even keep it in the house anymore!
Paige
February 24, 2009 at 7:41 pmHi Jenna! I really want to try those cupcakes. Do you have any idea about calories/fat for the cupcake part? I’ll use a different icing recipe, but I want to make the cupcakes for sure!
jenna
February 25, 2009 at 2:29 amPaige,
I’m sorry but I have no idea!
Sarah,
Nope…not for a restaurant and bakery. All recipes come somewhere, most come from culinary school cookbooks, magazines or whatever. You can’t really “experiment” too much with baking recipes since everything has to be exactly precise. You can add on to a recipe but not really change things. If we were publicly re-printing the recipe and SELLING it to people, now THAT would be an infringement. Just using the recipe in the bakeshop is considered 100% legal and fine. Thanks for asking though!
the Clean Veggie
February 24, 2009 at 7:52 pmlove the waffle sandwich! they are so delicious 🙂
mmm vegan cupcakes – they look divine!
Alisa - One Frugal Foodie
February 24, 2009 at 7:52 pmYou know, those cupcakes look good, but I am all over that waffle sandwich. I’m going to have to try that!
Fellow AB lover here. My husband shakes his head every time I put more almond butter in the cart when we are at TJ’s (the “raw” stuff is to die for!). It is only about $5 there, but compared to the $2 pb, it is a bit of a splurge, but oh so worth it!
gina (fitnessista)
February 24, 2009 at 7:56 pmso i can be there in about 4 hours.. save me one? i know you’re sleeping but i can chill with your madre and eat your cupcakes haha
i have some of the DELICIOUS cookies you made us in the oven riiiiight now.. after consuming a lot of dough, i’m still super ready for one right outta the oven 😉
i totally agree about the AB. i bought my jar on saturday and it’s 3/4 gone… and i didn’t bake anything with it! yikers.. it’s so good though!
have a good night <3
kim
February 24, 2009 at 8:11 pmSO do you prefer peanut butter or almond butter now? 🙂
BridgetP
February 24, 2009 at 8:18 pmThat cupcake looks so perfect! Best of luck on a good night’s sleep…I’m going on 2 nights of bad sleep, so I hope tonight is better for both of us!
Sarah W.
February 24, 2009 at 8:22 pmI am a big big fan of Vegan Cupcakes!! My gf has the vegan cupcakes take over the world and brought cupcakes to our holiday party in Dec (I had just gone vegan) and they were pure bliss 🙂 I’ve also had vegan cupcakes from Sticky Fingers bakery here in DC which is a vegan bakery – delish! but I think I prefer the homemade ones better 🙂
Feel free to experiment and post on the blog – I will be watching carefully!
My birthday is coming up so I’m not sure if Mom is going to be baking somethign or picking up a vegan something from Whole Foods – hahaha!
Sarah W.
February 24, 2009 at 8:23 pmOh and since youre in love with AB now, warm up a cupcake and spread some AB on it so its melty – chocolate & almonds! YUM!!!!!
HangryPants
February 24, 2009 at 9:20 pmI feel your sleep pain. I used to be horrible at falling asleep … and then the added pressure that comes with seeing the time and knowing you’re not asleep is the worst. Sorry. 🙁 I’ve tried earplugs, but they just freaked me out because I could just hear “fuzziness.” The only thing that helped me was eventual acceptance that sometimes I might get less sleep than I want. When I lay there and I know that, it helps a little and eventually I get to sleep. Good luck!
Sharon
February 24, 2009 at 9:54 pmWaffles look scrumptious! And oh my gosh, vegan cupcakes!!!!!!
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
February 24, 2009 at 10:52 pmJenna – so sorry about your lack of sleep last night. 2 hours – ugh! I’m sending good sleeping vibes your way right now!
I love the 356 chunky almond butter, and I love that it made an appearance in your morning snack, breakfast, AND lunch. I think the cupcake should have received a dollop as well. 🙂 Cupcakes look amazing by the way, and it sounds like there were a hit!
Thanks for the shout-out and wishing you a well rested almond butter filled day tomorrow!
Caroline
February 24, 2009 at 11:14 pmI dunno, I am pretty attached to my smooth almond butter, but your waffle-wiches always look so yummy, I might have to try chunky some day.
Kim
February 25, 2009 at 12:34 amI’m curious about the copyright issue too. Does it matter where the recipe came from since your store will be selling them?
Anne
February 25, 2009 at 3:54 amComing out of ‘lurkdom’ to say that i think it’s awesome you suggested to make vegan (cup)cakes. As a vegan myself, I know how happy it makes me when I see vegan labeled food in stores, especially when it’s nice stuff like cupcakes, so I can just buy it once every while instead of baking it myself (although I love to bake). And I am sure people how are allergic to dairy and eggs think the same way. 😉
Hope
February 25, 2009 at 6:09 amHi – as a vegan who often has a hard time finding prepared foods to purchase when I am on the run and want something good, I just wanted to say that I am soooo happy that you are making vegan cupcakes at the store now! My dad lives near Tampa and when I am down there next, I am so going out of my way to come try one. THANKS from me and the animals! I hope you got some better sleep last night.
Sarah
February 25, 2009 at 8:27 amThose cupcakes look amazing! You are so talented…
I totally identify with you about the almond butter except my obsession is sunbutter. It’s like crack to me. And I really don’t think the servings are accurate. I go through it way too fast even though I’m careful about my portions. Hope you get some much needed sleep tonight!
Sarah
Danielle
February 25, 2009 at 8:27 amThose vegan cupcakes look so great! Glad they were such a big hit at work!!!
Hope you were able to get a good night’s sleep last night!
brandi
February 25, 2009 at 9:18 amI hope you sleep better tonight!
Those cupcakes look SO good!
and those preserves on the yogurt are jumping out of the screen at me!
ryan
February 25, 2009 at 9:19 amJust curious is anyone giving up anything for the 40 days of Lent?
Jenna knows I love Vitamin Water and Gatorade types drinks, so I am giving up all artificially sweetened drinks with two exceptions 1) orange juice for smoothies in the a.m. (not sure if its artificial or not and don’t care), 2) diet coke for rum drinks and/or mojitos during the upcoming Wailers concert and a guys outdoors trip I am going on.
Kate
February 25, 2009 at 9:43 amohhhhh boyyy always love me some waffle sammies!
Jenna 2
February 25, 2009 at 9:43 amJenna,
What recipe did you use for the frosting? The one on the link you gave us? THose cupcakes look soo good!! hope today is better for you!
jenna
February 25, 2009 at 2:35 pmJenna 2,
My frosting recipe is:
2 cups earth balance margarine
2 cups earth balance shortening
14 (WOW!) cups powdered sugar
splash of soymilk
and a splash of vanilla extract
Beat the living heck out of it!! 🙂
Danielle
February 25, 2009 at 10:12 amOh my gosh, I WISH those cupcakes could take over my world too! 🙂 Hope you can get some sleep tonight!
Katie
March 1, 2009 at 12:22 amHi Jenna,
Did you use chocolate extract? I tried the recipe but they weren’t chocolatey enough for me – perhaps I should try another brans cocoa powder.
jenna
March 1, 2009 at 5:21 amKatie,
No I didn’t! I sort of changed a few things in that recipe but I don’t think you need the chocolate extract anyways….I have never even SEEN chocolate extract before! I think if you just use a high quality cocoa, you should be fine. Mine were super duper chocolatey….I used a dutch process cocoa and it made all the difference in the world.
Katie
March 1, 2009 at 5:38 amThanks Jenna,
I’ve never seen dutch process cocoa in the store here – I will have to try a specialty store. I found imitation chocolate essence which just sounds scary to me!
Thanks for the info.