In honour of November being World Vegan Month, I will be posting an article every day this week revolving around veganism! Why am I doing this? I am a proud vegan, and veganism has changed my life in so many ways. It is not just a diet; it’s a lifestyle.
I don’t know where you may be from, but I’m from Canada. Therefore, it’s been cold since late October. As we now approach the winter seasons, many people usually go for festive treats and drinks. When I was transitioning into veganism, I was really afraid of not being able to enjoy some of my favourite winter treats. Luckily, I was able to keep the cruelty out of my mouth and still enjoy some delicious holiday food!
Tim Hortons
If you are Canadian, you’re likely as addicted to Tim Horton’s as I am. Warm yourself up this winter with one of their Harvest Vegetable soups (100% vegan) and a wheat roll. If you’re not feeling a wheat roll, you can also grab any of the select bagels and dip them into your soup, or ask for a travel size strawberry jam to put onto it: cinnamon raisin bagel, plain bagel, onion bagel, everything bagel, sesame seed bagel, and a blueberry bagel. Here is a fun fact you may have not known: at select Tim Horton’s, they now offer an option of soy milk and almond milk. I have been able to find a few who have it in my city, so please ask your local Tim Horton’s if they have it! I have been able to enjoy hot chocolates and orange pekoe tea this way. If you live nearby Windsor, Ontario, check out the Tim Horton’s on Walker and Wyandotte and the Tim Horton’s on Tecumseh and Forest Glade, as they do have the non-dairy milk options! I also often times get green tea; it warms me right up! All of this information can be found here. http://menus.urbantastebud.com/tim-hortons-vegan-menu/
Starbucks
Starbucks is always a great place to get some festive treats, especially because they cater to all dietary restrictions. They carry a variety of non-dairy milk, so ordering a drink is not an issue. While ordering a drink, just ask for soy milk, and if need be, ask for them to remove any whipped cream, caramel drizzle, protein powder, and java chips. These ingredients are commonly used and are not vegan. I have found that just adding cinnamon to drinks compensates for the other things just fine. Unfortunately, none of their pumpkin spice drinks are vegan, but their candy cane drinks are if you avoid the things listed above! More information can be found at: http://www.peta.org/living/food/guide-vegan-starbucks/
Second Cup
Similarly to Starbucks, Second Cup offers a ton of non-dairy options for drinks. Surprisingly, though, they offer a vegan caramel drizzle! My favourite drinks to get there during the holidays are the Classic Hot Chocolate (with almond milk, hold the whipped cream, dark chocolate chips instead), an apple cider with cinnamon, a vegan London Fog, and a vegan Iced Vanilla Bean latte. They have also had vegan brownies one year, and vegan sugar cookies! All information can be found at: http://www.secondcup.com/menu
Green Bean Cafe
This is only pertaining to Windsor residents, sadly! Green Bean cafe offers delicious vegan brownies as well as a variety of vegan drinks. My favourite warm drinks to get are the London Fog, the Pumpkin Pie Latte, the Caramel Apple latte, the Candy Cane Latte, and the Gingerbread latte (all made with almond milk)! I am very eager to see if other vegan restaurants in Windsor such as Healthy Mama will offer some winter treats. Be sure to explore your area and find any local vegan treats! You’d be surprised where you could find some stuff.
Treats
Finding vegan treats varies on location. I personally enjoy making my own. Here are three of my favourite holiday desserts. More can be found online, but I really like this website! http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes-by-ingredient/winter
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Vegan Cashew Eggnog
http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes/other-vegan-treats/cashew-egg-nog
2. Vegan Gingerbread Pecan Biscotti
http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes/cookies/vegan-gingerbread-pecan-biscotti
3. Vegan Pumpkin/Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with Rum Spice Icing
http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes/pastries/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls-with-rum-spice-icing
If you are a uWindsor student and interested in this article, please check out the Windsor Animal Allies’ Vegan Hot Chocolate event on Friday, November 17th from 3-6pm!
For more event information, follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WindsorAnimalAllies/