Specialty Foods Sunday # 1

I thought I would try something new, & dub Sundays "Specialty Foods Sunday".  I will review a "specialty food", and provide feedback. "Specialty Foods" can include any type of food or beverage that has been developed & marketed for a specific population or for a specific dietary need. There are many people now that have food allergies (both children and adults), and celiac disease is on the rise.  Not only is following a gluten-free diet/lifestyle a necessity for those with celiac disease, it has also increase popularity as a "fad diet".  Therefore, the available GF food products have skyrocketed.
*Note: I have not received any compensation for endorsing these products, I just want to help those following special diets become aware of and make informed decisions for the many specialty & functional foods on the market today.

The first product I have chosen to review is relatively new from Silk, a company known for their soy milk.  But no, there is no soy to be found in this product, so those who cannot tolerate soy protein, rejoice!  Silk Pure Almond comes in unsweetened (35 calories per 8 ounce glass), vanilla (90 calories), dark chocolate (120 calories), and original (60 calories) varieties.  Visit www.silkpurealmond.com for more info, recipe ideas, product locator, & to print a coupon.

I have tried both the vanilla (excellent on cereal!) & dark chocolate varieties as you can see.  They are available in the grocer's refrigerated section near the other non-dairy milks.  The flavors available depend on the store.  Personally, I prefer this brand over the other brand of almond milk I've tried (ah-hem, Almond Breeze), but, in a pinch, that one is acceptable also.

Why almond milk? 
If you have an allergy to milk protein or soy protein, this is an appropriate substitute for drinking, in cereal, and for cooking/baking (make sure to use the original or unsweetened for this purpose).  It also is great in coffee or tea.  Hello vanilla chai latte!  Almond milk is also beneficial for those with lactose intolerance, & is vegetarian/vegan-friendly. If you don't have a medical or personal reason to try almond milk, try it for the taste!  Yummy!

The Health Benefits of Almond Milk: 

• Provides a source of antioxidants (vitamin E)
• Calcium & vitamin D-fortified (providing more or equal to cow's milk)
• Cholesterol and saturated fat-free (great for those following a Heart-Healthy Diet!)
• Made from non-GMO almonds, and other "natural" ingredients such as evaporated cane juice

Potential Allergen Alert!  

May contain coconut, and does contain tree nuts

If you prefer a more natural or homemade version of almond milk, or just prefer to be in the kitchen, you can make your own.  It also is more economical & green.  

Here is an easy recipe:

1) Soak 1 cup of blanched almonds in a bowl of water overnight (make sure almonds are completely covered with water, & don't soak for more than 12 hours).

2) Place soaked almonds + 3 cups water into a blender or food processor.

3) Blend on high until smooth.  

4) Flavor as desired- some ideas that are milk & soy-free: Dutch-process cocoa powder, carob powder, real vanilla (such as Mexican vanilla, beware most extracts contain alcohol), or sugar.  Pureed fruit or fruit juice can also be used to flavor, as can cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or other spices.  If you prefer a sugar-free version, it can be flavored with Splenda or Stevia.  Also consider sugar-free flavored coffee syrups. 

5) Strain through sieve or cheesecloth into another container, squeezing as much "milk" as you can from the pulp. Pulp can be reserved to use in cooking or baking for flavoring & to increase fiber content.

6) Refrigerate in closed container for up to 5 days. 

For those that have a food allergy, almond milk may be a necessity.  For me, I am not a big fan of cow's milk, both for health reasons and because I just don't like the taste.  For everyone else, don't be afraid to try something new, you may be surprised!  Enjoy!