By Laila Barboza
Did you know that humans are the only living beings that drink other animals’ milk? Would you give your dog breast milk? People aren’t immune to milk. The effects of dairy influence the majority of people I know. We are the only species that drink milk from an animal. It would be weird if it were the other way around. I am an advocate for not drinking or eating dairy personally. I haven’t for 4 years now and it all started from skin issues with my eczema and acne. I found articles and did my research on how much not eating and drinking dairy will benefit your health. I wouldn’t say getting rid of it altogether is the way to go right away if you start slowly and just rely on it less. Before this, let me tell you I’ve been to the dermatologist my whole life, and nothing has ever helped my skin until I realized it’s linked to dairy in my diet. Unfortunately and of course everyone’s body is different. If it doesn’t work for you that’s perfectly ok! Recently I have been doing my research. My stepdad James also had the same issues until he learned the effects of dairy and how cautious you have to be when consuming. James states “I know how hard it is and I was there too.” There are so many substitutes now. With all of that in mind, I want to introduce you to some recipes I love and have tried! What I’ve learned through the years and how easy it is to make anything dairy-free and leave your mouth watering for more… I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Recipes! Yumm
Introducing one of my favorite comfort foods! And the best part is it only takes less than 15 mins!
Dairy-free/ vegan garlic bread
Ingredients/grocery list
- French bread now you can make your bread from scratch or buy it (I buy mine at the grocery store)
- For the best part of the butter, I’ve found the Earth balance in the red container
- Vegan parmesan cheese ( I get the one from Trader Joe)
- Parsley
- Fresh garlic cloves
Now in a bowl, you’re going to take your butter and soften it, take a quarter cup of fresh chopped parsley, crush those fresh garlic cloves and chop half a cup of vegan parmesan, and mix.
Cut your bread in half like you’re going to make a sandwich, spread on your butter mix, get your garlic bread on a pan.
How to bake
- You’re going to need a pan and an oven and you want to put it on 400 degrees. Now put your bread in for 10 mins and enjoy!
Dairy-free/ vegan mac and cheese
This one is honestly to die for and mouth-watering…
Ingredients/grocery list
- Any pasta you desire
- Lots of different dairy-free cheeses Just make sure it’s lots! some of my favorite brands – Daiya, follow your heart, etc…
- Silk oat milk
- Bread crumbs
How to bake/ getting prepped to bake
- Make your pasta (directions on back) once done put noodles in the pan
- All random non-dairy cheeses and milk Pour over the pan with noodles Mix!
- Put your breadcrumbs
- Bake for as long as needed!!!
- Enjoyyyy
Brownies/chocolate cake
Honestly, for this one, I like to keep it as simple as possible.
Ingredients/grocery list
- Betty Crocker fudge Brownie box (Which doesn’t contain milk in the mix) (not sponsored)
- 3 Tablespoons Water
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs*
- *For cake-like brownies, use 3 tablespoons of water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs.
- 1. Heat oven as directed in the chart below. Grease the bottom of the pan.
- 2. Stir Brownie Mix, water, oil, and eggs in a medium bowl until well blended. Spread in pan.
- 3. Bake, as directed in the chart, or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the side of the pan, comes out almost clean; cool.
- Betty’s Tip: To cut warm brownies, use a plastic knife and short sawing motions. Store tightly covered.
| Pan Size | 13”x9” | 9″x9″ | 8″x8″ |
| Oven Temp | 350°F | 350°F | 325°F |
| Bake Time(in minutes)** | 22-25 | 36-38 | 50-52 |
- **If using a nonstick pan, shorten bake time by 3 min.
- High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Stir 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour into the dry brownie mix. Make brownies using 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup oil, and 2 eggs. For cake-like brownies, make brownies using 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup oil, and 3 eggs.