Everyone's talking about almond milk. Here's how to use it.

By YAZ TROLLOPE

My Instagram feed is full. Clogged. Jam-packed with healthy, delicious food creations accompanied by the hashtag #healthy #raw #IQS #vegan and #dairyfree.

The fact is, the picture of health is changing, moving away from low carb, low fat and transitioning into natural, real food that comes predominantly from plant-based ingredients rather than labs.

But while the idea of spending my days tinkering away in the kitchen creating the perfect raw dessert is spectacular, the reality is I don’t have time. My guess is you don’t either.

So I’ve created four super easy recipes that tick all the boxes for you, so you can fill my feed with #dairyfree and #natural pics as well. Thank me later.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this series of posts is sponsored by Almond Breeze. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.

Gluten-Free Banana and Almond Pancakes

Sundays just aren’t the same without waking up to the comforting smell of pancakes, right? But when your favourite skinny jeans start to feel a little more snug than you like, it might be time to switch up the recipe. Here’s one that won’t hurt your waistline.

You’ll need:

1 ½ cups almond milk

3 eggs, lightly beaten

4 cups almond meal

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 really ripe bananas, slightly mashed

3 tablespoons of coconut oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Sprinkle of Norbu or your favourite natural sweetener

Step 1: Separate your wet (eggs, almond milk, bananas) and dry (almond meal, baking powder, cinnamon and Norbu) ingredients into two separate bowls, mixing the ingredients in each bowl so they’re well combined.

Step 2: Now, make a well inside your dry ingredients bowl and slowly start to pour your wet ingredients in the centre, using circular motions to combine the ingredients into a nice smooth batter. You don’t want clumps here.

Step 3: Pop your fry pan on medium heat and place a dollop of coconut oil in the centre. Once liquid heats, pour spoonfuls of your batter into the pan, cooking until you see little bubbles forming on top. Then flip it over and cook for about another 1-2 minutes. Repeat until all the batter is cooked.

Step 4: Serve with banana slices, fresh fruit, smashed almonds, desiccated coconut and a dash of coconut cream for a decadent, yet healthy, start to the day.

Knock-Your-Socks Off Raw Chocolate Mousse

Avocado adds a really rich, creamy texture to this dish that you normally get from, well, cream. The best part about this option is that it really only takes a few minutes to prepare, and is sure to hit the spot when you’re craving something naughty.

You’ll need:

1 small ripe avocado

1 large ripe banana

¼ cup raw cacao powder

¼ cup almond milk

1 tablespoon of coconut nectar (or pure maple syrup)

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 handful of crushed almonds (or hazelnuts)

Toss all the ingredients into your food processor or blender and whizz until smooth and combined. Serve in individual bowls with some desiccated coconut on top, and even some nuts for added texture.

Serves 2

Almond, Coconut and Berry Buckwheat Breakfast Pudding

There’s something so comforting about this breakfast pudding. It’s not overly sweet, but definitely lends itself to those who order bircher over eggs, and thanks to the addition of the gluten-free buckwheat groats, it can be enjoyed by one and all. When shopping for groceries, look for whole buckwheat groats rather than the cracked variety.

You’ll need:

½ cup almond milk

¾ cup whole buckwheat groats

½ cup almonds, soaked and crushed

1 large banana

2 Medjool dates, pitted

¼ cup desiccated coconut

½ frozen mixed berries

Step 1: Soak buckwheat in water for around an hour while you’re cleaning the house, doing the laundry or painting your nails.

Step 2: Once the buckwheat has expanded in size and softened in texture, drain and pop in the blender with all your other ingredients, whizzing until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Serve it up!

Serves 4

Super Berry Smoothie

If green smoothies just aren’t your thing, you can create a similar nutritional profile using nuts, berries and coconut instead. Of course the greens offer certain health benefits that are unique to them, so I’ve hidden some among the flavourful, antioxidant rich berries. But you can’t taste them, I promise.

You’ll need:

2 cups almond milk

½ cup baby spinach leaves

½ cup frozen raspberries

½ cup frozen blueberries

1 frozen banana

½ cup pre-soaked cashew nuts (or almonds)

Flesh and water of one baby coconut

1 teaspoon of chia seeds

Simply throw all the ingredients into the blender and whiz until smooth, creamy and well combined.

Serves 2-3

Why soak nuts? Soaking your nuts in water for a minimum of 2-3 hours (or even 15 minutes if you forgot) makes it easier for your body to digest them, as nuts contain enzyme inhibitors that can cause bloating and discomfort, among other things.

Check out our gallery of Instagram-worthy recipes to keep you healthy all day long…

What’s your go-to recipe when you feel like a treat? 

 

Made using all natural ingredients, Almond Breeze almond milk is a great tasting non-diary and soy alternative. Free of lactose, cholesterol, peanuts and gluten, Almond Breeze is available in four delicious varieties: Unsweetened, Unsweetened Vanilla, Original and Chocolate.

 

Almond Breeze is the perfect choice for anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle. The versatile milk alternative is ideal on cereal, in non-dairy milkshakes, smoothies, mocktails, baking and can also be enjoyed on its own!

 

More information can be found http://www.almondbreeze.com.au/