I know. Readers are probably thinking, “What in the world is it with this woman and cupcakes? And vegan as well? Hold the icing!” The truth of the matter is, even though I’ve written quite a bit about cupcakes, primarily for Wolf Moon Journal, they are not my favorite dessert. Donuts, pies, and cookies have a much greater pull on me than cupcakes ever could. But last summer, at a Taste of Brunswick event in, of course, Brunswick, Maine, I became smitten by 111 Maine’s cupcakes—moist chocolate topped by a whipped butter cream icing that hovered impossibly between firm and melted. But still, as a rule, I would choose cheesecake over cupcakes anytime. 

However, cupcakes seem to be constantly insinuating their way into my awareness. This time, it was via an article in the New York Times about how Chloe Coscarelli, a twenty-two-year-old vegan chef, won the final round of the Food Network’s show Cupcake Wars. Those tempted to sneer should know that Coscarelli won “a $10,000 prize and the chance to supply the cupcakes for an OK! magazine celebrity event.” 

Even though I am not a cupcake fanatic, I would be interested in trying Coscarelli’s cupcakes and would even consider making them. But for me, the larger issue is cooking vegan, and Coscarelli has a website and blog that feature recipes that go beyond cupcakes. There is every indication that a vegan diet, one based on plants, is healthier for the planet and for its people. Raising animals for meat and dairy uses a lot of energy, and many of the diseases we associate with developed countries—heart attacks, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer—can be linked to a high-fat, high cholesterol diet. Michael Pollan advocates eating mostly plants, as does Mark Bittman, and it seems to me that they are on the right track. 

Now, I am not going to renounce butter and eggs. I will continue to eat fish and chicken in moderation. Occasionally, I will eat beef. But I am going to check out Coscarelli’s website and try some of her vegan techniques. It’s good for old cooks to learn new tricks, especially if those tricks are healthy and delicious.