Alisa Fleming ~ Risotto without dairy, is that possible? Actually, it’s very possible, and very delicious. But, what about from a box? Well, honestly, I don’t think you can mimic the creamy, yet clean taste of a risotto using a quick mix, dairy-free or not. The primary allure of risotto comes from the process by which it is cooked … small grains of Arborio rice are sautéed while slowing adding in a liquid, and finishing it with a creamy touch. “Instant” just doesn’t cut it if you are craving authentic.

That said, I don’t always have the energy for slow cooking, and thus like to keep a few meal-making convenience foods on hand like jarred marinara and brown rice mixes. I typically only purchase boxed brown rice products from Lundberg (like their “couscous”), and decided to give their two dairy-free risotto products (made with arborio rice and brown rice flour) a trial when they were on sale. They actually have (at last count) eight brown rice risotto products, but only the Tuscan (tomato, garlic & onion) and Florentine (mushroom & spinach) are dairy-free and vegan, though all are gluten-free ...

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Bring the flavor on with these dairy-free dips! Parties that focus on appetizers can be a dairy minefield, and the Super Bowl is certainly no exception. Sour cream based dips, flavored chips, and nachos oozing with cheese make up the standard fare ... but who's to say "standard" is the best way to go? 

Swap the nacho cheese dip for a fresh salsa, bean dip, or some homemade guacamole.  Sway from the Mexican theme altogether and serve up different types of hummus with your choice of chips, crackers, or pita bread. 

I know what you are thinking, "But, what about that spinach dip?"  Of course, you can use store bought dairy substitutes in an attempt to mimic that popular party recipe, but really it just isn't the same.  So, why not take a totally new route, and make a spinach dip that is rich and creamy, but that never had any intentions to contain milk, sour cream, or cheese ... such as the following pesto-inspired recipe from Dr. Rebecca Coleman ...

Alisa Fleming ~ As we head toward Super Bowl Sunday, a weekend of pure indulgence and debauchery in so many households throughout the U.S., I thought it fitting to address those high calorie beverages that are so easy to mindlessly slurp while cheering on your favorite team.

Of course, healthier, lower sugar beverage options are great any time of year, so enjoy the drink ideas that follow whenever you are craving something a little more exciting or refreshing than plain old water. Some of these suggestions are also great for transitioning away from milk when going dairy free. Many people who are used to drinking a few glasses of milk a day replace that liquid with high-sugar juice drinks or soda pop. Some of my suggestions are sugar-free, while the rest are lower in sugar and might help to ease you into a milk-free diet without loading up on unwanted calories.

But first, for those of you who are looking at my reference to “pop” a little cross-eyed …

Alisa Fleming ~ I stumbled on a unique sour cream bread recipe last week and knew that it was kismet for the tub of dairy-free, soy-free sour cream alternative chilling in my refrigerator.

Fortunately, the recipe couldn’t be easier. My version has just 7 ingredients and requires only about 15 minutes of hands on time. Because it does need some time to rise and bake, you will want to be home for a few hours while making it, but for 90% of that time you can be doing something else, like laundry, checking emails, watching a movie marathon, pinning things … you know, important stuff.

This bread is very savory, almost like simple buttermilk bread, but with a slightly tangier bite. It’s wonderful for sandwiches, but I really liked thick slices (fresh or toasted) slathered with a sweet spread for contrast; perfect with a giant cup of hot tea.

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