One of the first things that sparked my interest in baking was watching shows on Food Network, specifically Cake Boss and Cupcake Wars. Every time I watched these shows, I was intrigued by all of the creations the contestants had come up with. I took the inspiration I had obtained and learned how to follow recipes and get creative in the kitchen. When I first became vegan, I was worried that I would never be able to bake again. My initial thought was that baking without eggs, milk, and butter was impossible. However, through Youtube videos, cookbooks, and blogs, I found out that vegan-baking is not only possible, but also incredibly easy.

In baking, a chicken's egg is most typically used to bind the ingredients together. There are many vegan alternatives that can be used to bind together the components of a dish, including vegan egg replacer powder, fruit puree, apple cider vinegar, silken tofu, extra baking soda/powder, and much more. Chia seeds, or as I call them "mini dragon eggs", are another perfect substitution for an egg because they absorb the liquid around them, creating a gel-like texture. A chia egg, which can also be made with flax meal, is simple to make, requires two ingredients, and is the perfect cruelty-free way to bind your dish together.

INGREDIENTS (Yields 1 egg)

• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Chia seeds/Flax meal
• 3 Tbsp. Water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the water and chia seeds into a cup or small bowl and thoroughly mix together.
2. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the water and should create a gel-like texture.
3. Once the gel-like substance is formed, it is ready to use in a recipe!