Here in Romania we have just begun “post”, or the Lenten fast. Here that means no eggs, no dairy, and no meat until Easter. It’s definitely a more hardcore observation of lent than my former Catholic self is used to.  Sigh, I’ll miss my sour cream, lard fried eggs and pork… says the reformed vegetarian.

We are going on a hiking trip this weekend and I wanted to make some tasty treats to share. I decided on some vegan chocolate cake. Vegan baking was a big part of my former American life. I went to town today armed with a recipe and a shopping list.

After my afternoon nap I took to the kitchen to prepare some cake. My gazda mom questioned how it was possible to make “post” friendly cake as she lit our gas oven for me. I explained it the best I could. We put the cakes into bake while we enjoyed some green beans in dill sauce for dinner. Unfortunately the gas tank ran out before the cake was done, so low and behold I now have something resembling vegan brownies. They’re still pretty tasty. I put some frosting on them and put them in the root cellar until tomorrow. I hope the gang likes em’, if not…. more for me!

and without further ado… the recipe!

Post-friendly chocolate cake

3 cups of flour plus 3-4 tablespoons extra if you add the syrup, jam, or fruit

1 1/2 cup of sugar

1tsp of salt

1tsp of baking soda

6 tablespoons of coca powder

1 packet of vanilla sugar

2/3 cup of sunflower oil

2 tablespoons of vinegar

2 cups of cold water

1/4 cup of maple syrup, honey, applesauce, mashed bananas, or jam (optional)

preheat the oven and make sure you have enough gas in the tank! Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl, then add the wet ingredients. Prepare two cozonac forms or a cake pan with oil and flour. put the batter in and place in the oven. Bake for about 30 min till firm. top with chocolate glaze made from water, powdered sugar, coca, and maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar.

Who says you can’t eat yummy stuff while on post?