Vegan Pop-Tarts

For a moment, imagine stepping into the shoes you wore when you were eight years old.

Think of the warm summer sun reflecting off the sidewalk, the coolest bike you’ve ever ridden, the most air you’ve ever caught on the trampoline...there’s your first crush playing foursquare across the playground at recess, the math homework your dog ate, and the after school snacks you dream about on the bus ride home.

Do you remember what it was like to feel fearless? There was that time you climbed the tallest tree in the park because you were curious to see what life looked like from upabove. The grass seemed a lot greener from way up there, and it was viewed as okay to have your head in the clouds.

You were applauded for your imagination. You were taught to dream big and run after whatever it was you wanted. To be the president of the United States, an astronaut landing on the moon, a world traveler on a plane to Chilé...

Suddenly, you grew into this person we identify as “an adult”. It all came without warning. It all began when you misplaced the documents you needed to renew your driver's license or do your taxes and realized that you can no longer say in that cute, innocent voice, “but...my dog ate it.”

With adulthood, we discover a few things that aren’t as bright and colorful as a new pack of crayons. There’s the pressure to find a career, a newfound fear of getting injured, and the expectation to let go of our dreams and live with a sense of reality.

To this, I hope you say no thank you.

Age may bring more responsibility, and perhaps a bit more wisdom, but it doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of wonder. Hold onto your optimism. Keep creating. Don’t you dare throw those crayons out. Find a mountain to climb; they’re taller than trees. Heck, find a tree to climb on a mountaintop. Do whatever you can to get your head back up in those clouds. Daydream your heart out. Explore what it feels like to see new things for the first time. Get out there and see life through the eyes of your strong and courageous eight year-old self.

Blueberry with Sprinkles

Makes 5 pop-tarts

Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup vegan butter, cold

1/4 cup ice water

Filling

1 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp vanilla

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp vegan butter, softened

1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cube the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the butter is pea-sized.

2. Add the ice water to the mixture and mix until the dough comestogether. Flatten the dough into a disc and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

3. Meanwhile, make the blueberry filling by placing blueberries, sugar, and chia seeds in a saucepan over medium heat. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool completely.

4. When the dough is finished chilling, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll the dough into a 1/8” thick rectangle.

5. Cut 10 equal rectangles from the dough and transfer onto a baking sheet.

6. Place about 2 tbsp of filling on half of the rectangles, leaving a 1/4” border around the edges. Brush a small amount of water or almond milk around the edges and place the tops on each filled pop-tart. Seal the edges by pressing them together lightly with a fork. Poke a few holes in the top of each pop-tart and brush with almond milk.

7. Place pop-tarts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F.

8. Bake pop-tarts for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Then, let cool completely.

9. Make the glaze by combining the powdered sugar, vegan butter, almond milk, and vanilla; stiruntil smooth. Top each pop-tart with glaze and sprinkles.

Words, Recipes & Photos by Jessica Bose alittlebaker.com Instagram: @jessicabose Twitter: @littlebakerjess