Vegans Win on Food Network

From cupcakes to doughnuts, vegan bakeshops are winning big time on the Food Network. Mighty-O, a 100-percent organic vegan doughnut shop based in Seattle, Wash., beat out three competitors—Blue Collar Joe’s from Daleville, Va., The Hole from Denver, Colo., and hometown rival Top Pot Doughnuts—for first place and a $10,000 prize. Mighty-O’s Sara Beth Russert won the judges over with Cinnamon Ginger Ring, Cherry Pecan Fritter, and Chocolate Ganache-filled Salted Caramel Bismark. Russert and her team created a doughnut-covered sculpture of an elephant for their most difficult challenge. “I wanted to do something subtly animal-rights themed, so a circus elephant seemed good,” says Russert. Mighty-O is the third vegan bakery to win a Food Network challenge show.

Photo courtesy of Timothy Aguero.