Vegan Dessert Decadence

Vegans often get the short end of the stick when it comes to dessert. Most pitch in cookouts are full of baked goods, almost all of which contain eggs or dairy. Here is a dessert idea that everyone will like.

Ingredients

1 12-16 oz. bag frozen berries (either mix or single preferred variety)

1 package Graham crackers (watch out for eggs and dairy)

1-2 cups Shredded Coconut

1/4 - 1/2 cup coconut milk or soy milk

4-5  T of margarine (Earth Balance is vegan)

2 T of unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

Frozen berries and other fruits are a great place to start for desserts, especially those with a healthier twist. They are a great value if buying produce off season at all, and they aren't as sensitive with ripeness. By all means, though, if fresh fruits are available in your grocery store and budget, they'll work just fine. Graham crackers (which can be found without eggs or dairy - try Trader Joe's Cinnamon Grahams) work well to form a nice crust with Earth balance or any other margarine melted down and combined with the crumbs and even a little bit of unsweetened cocoa powder if it is available. Just crunch graham crackers and add cocoa, then stream in small amounts of melted margarine and combine until the mixture is wet enough to form a crust if pressed into the bottom of a dish. Thaw berries in the microwave or on the counter. There will be a lot of juice as they thaw so sometimes it is a good idea to keep the bag in a bowl of some kind to catch any that leaks. Berry juice stains are pretty stubborn. Put the crust in a 300 degree oven for 5 minutes or so just to crisp the top and then fill with the berries. In a separate bowl take shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) and dampen it with a little bit of coconut milk or soy milk - even some of the margarine if coconut milk or soy milk would never have another use in your regular cooking. Use enough coconut, at least a cup, to top the entire top of the pie.  Then put the pie into the oven until the berries have bubbled and the coconut is toasted. Usually it takes about 10 minutes or so. Serve with a nice raspberry or chocolate sorbet. Who still wants to put their foot down for cake and ice cream? This makes a great birthday treat.