Homemade Almond Milk...... and a Paleo Brownie Recipe

Boo - Hoo. My funky digestive system cannot tolerate dairy. It's not lactose or casein intolerance, rather a gut dysbiosis.  If you've read my blog before you'll know all about about my food angst. I'm hoping someday I will be able to enjoy blue cheese on my cobb salad and parmesan on my spaghetti (with spaghetti squash noodles, of course!) But not to fret, as I have a great stand-in. For "cheese" I usually make some cashew cheese and season it according to what I am making (cream cheese, cheese for pasta etc.) For my smoothies, coffee, and baking, I usually whip up some homemade almond milk and add in a small amount of organic coconut milk and -Voila! Instant "milk."

You ask, "Why would someone want to make almond milk when you can buy it at almost any local store?"  Well for starters the health benefits are far greater when making your own, and is much kinder to your wallet. So then, is it difficult or time consuming to make?  Nope. Au contraire!

Read on readers to learn how easy it is to make your own almond milk free of chemicals and preservatives - and some brownies, too!

Green Pasture Giveaway

This week is a blog (and giveaway - yay!) about the benefits of fermented cod liver oil and high-vitamin butter oils.

While researching supplements and health sites to help heal my digestive issues, I came across the Weston A. Price group on Meetup.com. I found many people who were taking cod liver oil and became intrigued. Once I learned more about it, I decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. My energy levels are up, immune system is more responsive, and I can't say that I mind clearer skin and stronger hair and nails.

Interested in reaping the benefits from this traditional food?  Keep reading......

Is Sugar Toxic?

Over the last few years there has been a heap of news on the evils of refined sugars. Many physicians and researchers are now stating that refined sugars can take a serious toll on your health. It is estimated than more than 35 million deaths could be contributed to sugar.

One health trend over the last 3 decades is the low-fat craze. But in order to make these fat-free, tasteless foods more palatable, sugar is added. These low-fat, sugar-filled foods have not seemed to make a difference, as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancers are still on the rise.

What is Stevia?

At the advice of my doctor and because regular sugar encourages growth of bacteria and would further my dysbiosis, I am using Stevia extract to naturally sweeten any desserts or drinks I make. I have been known to have a sweet tooth, so Stevia has been a lifesaver.

Paleo Almond Garlic Rosemary Crackers

These are the best no-grain, low carb, "paleo" crackers. I kid you not. And they are so easy to make.
Whenever I am looking for a savory, crunchy snack, I whip these up in less than 20 minutes - this includes the time in the oven!

Raw Cashew Cream Cheesecake

I tried the Earth Cafe raw vegan cheesecakes recently, and I really enjoyed them. But due to my gut dysbiosis, my body was not happy with the sugar. So, resourceful me, I decided to make my own.