Cinnamon Things (Vegan)

It's been a very rainy week here in Austin (apart from yesterday which was a perfect, crisp, sunny, autumn day). Rainy, cool weather makes me want to bake and bake specifically with cinnamon. I don't care what I'm making, it's getting cinnamon 'cause it's cold and cinnamon makes me feel all warm and cozy. Unfortunately I used up the last of my cinnamon this week in all of my oatmeal eating (I tried replacing it with pumpkin pie spice -belgh and ground ginger -a little better, but barely). It always surprises me when I run out of a spice, I always expect those little jars to last forever. 

Anyway, I can't get to the store to buy more cinnamon at the moment so I started drooling over pictures of other cinnamony goodness out in the blog world and I decided to share them with you. Plus, it's been a long time since I've done any kind of 'favorite things' post. So without further ado, I give you all of the cinnamon things I wish I could be making right now.

Please note that photos below belong to the original bloggers, to be taken to their site just click the photo.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread -Texan Erin

Cinnamon Raisin bread is one of those foods I'm constantly forgetting about usually until I go out for breakfast and I'm asked what type of bread I want on the side and they list my options. This bread however looks like one that I would not easily forget about. I'll take a slice toasted please!

Baked Vegan Cinnamon Doughnuts -That Kate

Can I just take a moment and say that I love that it's become socially acceptable, even trendy to eat doughnuts. For the longest time it seemed that even looking at a doughnut would have you labeled as a fatty or a Homer Simpson type. Doughnuts are delicious, I'm glad we're done hating on them. And these cinnamon doughnuts look especially tasty!

Cinnamon Rolls with Coconut Frosting and Caramel Raisin Filling -This Rawsome Vegan Life

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Those are raw and vegan cinnamon rolls. What can I say, I am continually amazed by Emily's creativity every time I stop by her blog. Someday I will make these.

Cinnamon Bundt Cake -The Misfit Baker

It may just be the fancy bundt pan it was baked in, but this cake is gorgeous. So simple yet so classy. I'm definitely keeping this recipe on file.

Vegan Cinnamon Raisin Pull-Apart Bread -Kohler Created

I haven't had much, if any pull-apart bread in my life, but this looks mighty tasty. Plus, I'm just a sucker for all things cinnamon raisin.

So there ya have it. I was surprised at how few vegan cinnamon recipes there are out there, apart from cinnamon rolls of course.

What are your favorite cinnamon recipes?

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Growing up I can hardly remember a time when ice cream wasn't present in my parents' house. There were always at least two cartons of ice cream in the freezer and we all knew the flavor with nuts was for Dad; whether it was Pistachio, Rocky Road or Butter Pecan. If it contained nuts, it might as well have Property of Dad stamped across the top. Mom would take turns getting us kids our favorite flavors. Mint Chocolate Chip for Dan. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for me. Anything with caramel for Sherie. Occasionally she'd get some Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup frozen yogurt for herself. Now when I say we had ice cream just about every night I don't mean we each had a scoop, we each had a bowl...with multiple scoops. Delicious? Of course. Healthy? Not so much.

Over the years as I've become more health-conscience and less able to digest dairy, I've sought out ways to appease my cravings for something sweet, cold and creamy. Banana ice cream has come to my rescue time and time again. It's fast, it's easy, it's cheaper than regular ice cream, healthier than regular ice cream and most importantly it tastes great! 

This particular flavor is one of my favorites. Inspired by the Ben & Jerry's flavor Oatmeal Cookie Chunk (which fortunately I can no longer find in stores), it combines the tasty, comforting flavors of cinnamon and chocolate. Plus, it's a bowl full of fruit that looks like cookie dough!

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

• 2 Frozen Bananas
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tablespoon Almond Milk
• 1/4 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips (Vegans, make sure they're dairy-free)

Makes 2 scoops.

In a food processor, blend bananas, almond milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract until the bananas have become smooth and creamy (you may need to scrape down the sides occasionally). Once, the mixture has reached the consistency of soft serve ice cream, add the chocolate chips and pulse a few times to break up the chips (this is optional, feel free to just stir in the chips, I like to have them shaved down into smaller chunks). At this point you can either enjoy the ice cream as soft serve or place in the freezer for about a half hour or so if you prefer a firmer texture. Whatever you decide, be sure to savor this guilt-free treat with a smile on your face.

Do you have an ice cream habit you're tricking to kick? 

If you've had success, share your secrets!