Chewy Noels

Here is another veganized favourite from my childhood. I debated about how to replace the eggs in this one. Tofu did not seem like a good candidate since it would not provide enough moisture. Bananas are generally good for baking, but only if you like the taste of bananas, and I don't equate bananas with Christmas. Ground flax was really the only option left (I don't have egg replacer, but find it kind of chalky anyway). I was worried that the taste from the flax seeds would be too strong, but figured the walnuts and sugar would win in the end. I was right. The end result was a little more dense than the non-vegan version, but still really tasty and delightfully chewy.

INGREDIENTS
- 2 tbsp non-hydrogenated margarine
- 2 tbsp ground golden flax seed
- 6 tbsp water
- 1/3 cup flour, sifted
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla
- icing sugar

METHOD
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Melt margarine on low heat in a square baking pan (8x8) on the stove top.
2. Whisk flax seed into water in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar and nuts. Stir in
vanilla and flax mixture. Be patient and let the moisture work its way through the dry stuff.
4. Spoon batter into the pan, carefully spreading to the sides, but being careful not to mix into the melted margarine.
5. Bake for 22-25 mins, until top is deep golden brown. The batter will be bubbling and gooey. Let completely cool--everything will solidify. Cut into small squares, and remove from pan, placing on serving tray bottom side up. Dust with icing sugar and serve.