Vegan Twinkies: So Money.

Oh yeah, baby.  That is one very sexy Vegan Twinkie.  

Any time I'm gearing up for a baking session, I scan over my recipe because there's always the inevitable rogue ingredient that's MIA on every grocery store's shelves. I don't just look at Ralph's or Vons.  I'll go to Ralph's first, Vons if-needed, Whole Funds, and even my favorite Co-Op. I usually end up sad and empty handed, trying to decide what will be an adequate substitute. 

Not this time!  I was determined!

I scan over the Vegan Twinkie recipe courtesy of Vegan Lunch Box.  At the very end of the ingredient list, I spy the perpetrator: Barley Malt Powder.  

A quick Google search for "Barley Malt Powder Los Angeles" reveals a Chowhound thread with the answer: Culver City Home Brewing Supply Co.

I call. 

CCHBS: "Brewing Supply.  How may I help you?"

Me: "Hi!  I was wondering if you carry Barley Malt Powder?"

CCHBS: "Yes, we do."

Me: "Um, well, I'm not trying to sound paranoid or anything...but I really need it for a recipe.  Is there a chance you're going to run out today?"

CCHBS: [Sarcastically] "Well, I've only got 4 Gallons, so you better hurry.  How much do you need?"

Me: "Two tablespoons."

CCHBS: [Laughs] "I think you'll be safe.  Come on by!"

Score!  I decide to go the following morning as I'm not baking them today.  All of the other ingredients are easy to find.  What could possibly go wrong?

Well, I set my alarm for 11am the next day, excited to sleep in for the first day this week then do some Vegan baking.  

8:30AM: There's a knock on my door.  I hear a mix of Yiddish and English ranting outside of my door.  Crabby as a mo-fo, I open the door.  It's my landlords mother, who speaks about 5 words of English.  She's motioning to a repairman behind her, screaming "Sink! Sink!", and some other choice Yiddish/Hebrew words.  I know what they're here for.  They're here to fix the sink I requested be fixed 6 months ago. Without any notice whatsoever, they want to do it NOW.  

But what about my plans to sleep and bake today?! No. I am going to stand up for myself.  

I call my landlord, and explain to her very nicely that I am never to be woken again. I pressed on, asking if one of her parents can ensure the repair man doesn't take away any of my electronics along with the bad sink plumbing while I'm at the store(s).  After about 30 minutes of back and forth phone calls and translations, her father agrees to keep an eye on him. 

Finally, I pick up my Barley Malt Powder, stop by the grocery store for a few more ingredients, and then I hit the kitchen.  They were so easy!  I changed an ingredients in the recipe, then added an one of my own to make the recipe taste more like the amazing crap that inspired these.  As always, message me and I'll be happy to let you know what my modifications were.

[Recipe can be found in Cookbook, or you can email me. Tell me a funny story from your life, and I'll reply with the recipe.]

Vegan Twinkies

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