Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake Off!

So, I know I technically don't have to post on weekends for this veganmofo thing. But 31 days of cupcakes has a way better ring than adding "less weekends" to it does.
Besides, today is an awesome day! In honour of world Vegetarian day, the Toronto Vegetarian Association is having a vegan bake off. Last year I was a runner up, and it really inspired me to kick my baking up a notch.
My offering this year is my Lumberjack's Breakfast Cupcake.
Now, the thing you need to understand is that this cupcake began as a joke. Omni's have been on this insane kick lately where they'll put bacon in, or on, anything. Really anything. My boyfriend came home one day talking about chocolate chip and bacon cookies. And I thought...that is the least vegan thing I've ever heard. But it sounds awesome.
I admit, i used to really like bacon, back in the pregan days. And the idea of something sweet, with something salty and crispy? Aghghghgh... (that's me making Homer Simpson's drool noise.)
So I decided to see if there was any way I could possibly make this vegan acceptable. Really, i was just thinking of mixing sweet and salty, but then someone mentioned on the ppk (post punk kitchen)forums that bac-o's are vegan, and my idea came to life. A little like Frankenstein's moster.
I have to admit, i don't expect to win any prizes for this. It's a bit wierd by most people's standards, and I don't find bac-o's the prettiest topping, but I promise you, this is the most amazing flavour combination. Salty, sweet, crispy, and yet soft and moist. Think of it as a really good breakfast. Coffee cake, real maple syrup buttercream, and yep, "bacon" bit topping.

Who wants cookie dough?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes!!!
Yes, I know that I'm evil. These are made either chocolate or vanilla, and then stuffed with and topped by my evil secret recipe cookie dough frosting. Okay, it's not really a secret: it's vanilla buttercream, whipped together with a batch of real chocolate chip cookie dough until it's light and fluffy enough to top a cake with. It's one of my favorite frostings, because it isn't ridiculously sweet, and the chocolate chips give it a bit of subtle crunch.
Check out the delicious innards!

The Kupcakery at Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts

Fall is swift approaching, and my broken toes are all healed up, so in the whole spirit of "back to school" time, I am also back to cupcakes! And to celebrate, I am having another street sale, as part of the Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts Festival on this Saturday, September 12. My friend Kate has kindly volunteered a space in her parent's drive at 404 Wellesley St. East, and I have approximately 10 dozen+ cakes baked. I'll be there all day, until I sell out. (After that, I'm going to visit the Vegetarian Food Fair at Harbourfont Centre--you should check it out too!)

Flavours for the day are: Classic Chocolate, Classic Vanilla, Strawberry Jammies, Blueberry Jammies, Cookie Monster(Oreo), "Minty" Stuffed, and an all new flavour, Lumberjack's Breakfast. There will also be Kupcake Kebabs, and Rum Raisin Boozy Bites.

The weather is supposed to co-operate, and I'm looking forward to a full day of cupcaking. I hope I see you there!