An interesting substitute for eggs in Vegan or Vegetarian recipes is hemp seed or flax seed.

Hemp Seed: copied from source Wikipedia

Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. The seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk (akin to soy milk), prepared as tea, and used in baking.

The nutritional profile for hulled hemp seed is interesting:  Approximately 1/2 cup

In 1 Tablespoon, a person is able to get all the EFA's (essential fatty acids) required for that day.  Nutrition in 1 TBS:  calories = 45,  Fat = 3.g, Carbs. = 1.5 g, Protein = 2.25 g.   Unlike Flax seed, hemp seed may be used constantly without developing a deficiency of EFA's.

The protein profile is comparable to meat, milk, eggs. and soy.  It is virtually a complete protein.

Flax Seed:  Also known as linseed oil. copied from Source: Wikipedia

One tablespoon of ground flax seeds and three tablespoons of water may serve as a replacement for one egg in baking by binding other ingredients together. Ground flax seeds can also be mixed in with oatmeal, yogurt or any other food item where a nutty flavor is appropriate. Flax seed sprouts are edible, with a slightly spicy flavor. Excessive consumption of flax seeds with inadequate water can cause bowel obstruction.

Nutritional Information in 1 TBS:  Calories = 50, Fat = 5 g, Carbs. = 4 g, Fiber = 3 g., Protein = 2 g.

Both Hemp Seed and Flax Seed are available locally at Peters Cornucopia in New Hartford Shopping Center.

Recipe for Blue Cornmeal Whole Wheat Spice Muffins.  Vegan friendly using Hulled Hemp Seed.

Blue Cornmeal Whole Wheat Spice Muffins:  Makes 12 Large muffins and 12 Standard muffins

• 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Blue cornmeal
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups Turbinado sugar
• 4 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2/3 cup 100% canned pumpkin
• 3 TBS apple cider vinegar
• 1 TBS vanilla extract
• 3 TBS Bob’s Red Mill Hulled Hemp Seed mixed with 1/3 cup warm water

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line muffin tins with paper or foil muffin/cupcake liners.

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients from the cornmeal through the nutmeg.  In another bowl, mix all the ingredients from the water through the hemp seed *add both the hemp and the water to the lemon/pumpkin mix. 

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the well. Stir together ONLY until incorporated.  Distribute the batter among the muffin tins and bake from 20 – 25 minutes.  Do not over bake.  If you are unsure of your ovens temperature accuracy, check after 15 minutes.  If the middle of the muffin is springy (not sticky), the muffin is done. Check with a knife to make sure it comes out clean.

Another recommended recipe from Apple Crumbles is the Vegan Vanilla Pancake also made with Hulled Hemp Seed.  Recipe will be available on 3/9/2010.