My First post for the Bob’s Red Mill Train with Grain blog is about recipes inspired by my race clothing.  Clean lines, simple design and euro-inspired white are reasons that golden vanilla cupcakes are a classic go-to every time.

This season I worked closely with Portland graphic designer Dan Schechter and the folks at Castelli clothing to create a unique version of the Bob’s Red Mill Team kit.

Inspired in part by the 2010 kit and the 2011 Louisville Team kit, we came up with a mostly white kit highlighting my title, presenting and supporting sponsors.

The color scheme of white, light blue and ocre yellow uses a classic European cycling color scheme and in turn invokes the likeness of the finest of European culinary delights, pastries!

At home, my go-to recipe for a timeless and classic recipe is the vegan version of the golden vanilla cupcake. This recipe can also be used as a layer or sheet cake and served in a big slice midday with a cappuccino, as it would be around Europe. Enjoy!

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1 cup Soy, Rice, Almond or Coconut milk
• 1 tsp apple Cider Vinegar
• 1-1/4 cup All Purpose Flour (or gluten free all purpose flour plus 1 tsp xanthan gum)
• 2 Tbsp Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch
• 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/3 cup Canola Oil
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp Vanilla

Mix milk and vinegar and allow to sit for a few minutes (this curdles to work like buttermilk)

Mix sugar, oil, vanilla and stir well. Add remaining ingredients, mix well and then fill cupcake liners about 3/4 way full.

Bake 20-22 min at 350 degrees

Recipe makes 12 cupcakes

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup Non-Hydrogentated Shortening
• 1/2 cup Non-Hydrogenated Margarine
• 3-1/2 cups Confectioner’s Sugar
• 1-1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1/4 cup plain Soy milk, Rice milk or Coconut milk

Beat shortening and margarine with hand mixer until fluffy. 5 mins or so.
Add sugar and mix well 3-5 minutes until well blended.
Add vanilla and milk and beat until fluffy 5-7 minutes

*recipe adapted from Vegan Cupcakes Take over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

This recipe is also posted to my blog at : http://thevegandelicious.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/vegan-golden-vanilla-cupcakes/