Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate + Pecan Kheer
February 14, 2023
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A dairy-free breakfast made with basmati rice, oat milk, and maple syrup.
A dairy-free breakfast made with basmati rice, oat milk, and maple syrup.
A vibrant, beautiful at-home latte made with Organic Oat Milk and real ingredients
OatNog is becoming a staple on grocery shelves. I love to see the shift into dairy-free, vegan options at the store. However, I’m always wary of food products which tend to have hidden oils, sugars, and preservatives. I set out to make my own at-home version of Oat Nog since it can be so simple! And- no hidden ingredients!! This Dairy-Free OatNog is made with whole grain oat milk, for a lightened up version of a heavy classic. It’s hard to find dairy-free, vegan replacements that everyone enjoys! I tested it out on non-suspecting volunteers at a holiday party, and they didn’t even notice that it was missing the eggs, heavy cream, and sugar that typically makes up a Holiday Egg Nog. I served it warm, straight-from-the-stove, with optional alcoholic mix-ins. OatNog would also be great paired with holiday cookies from a local bakery. It’s so nice to have a holiday classic without the guilt (and digestive discomfort!). Oat milk offers a great creaminess without heaviness. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan! For the ultimate sugar-free, clean option I use Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oat Milk. The coconut cream gives this OatNog that familiar thickness, and provides healthy fats. Related: Dairy-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip If you’re looking for an effortless, blend-and-serve type of recipe- here it is. This OatNog comes together quickly: with super-clean ingredients that keep you feeling your best. “Dairy-Free OatNog” is a perfect holiday favorite that will impress your friends and family. They don’t even have to know how healthy it is! Coconut cream is often used in vegan cooking to replace heavy cream, and this Egg Nog dupe is no exception. The creamy oat milk, plus the winter warming spices are a perfect marriage. This is my simple, go-to ingredient list: –Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oatmilk -Coconut Cream, canned -Maple Syrup (or maple sugar!) -Cinnamon, Cardamom, Nutmeg + Vanilla -Sprinkle of Sea Salt Lighten things up with this Vegan Dairy-Free OatNog made with Oat Milk! My favorite spice pantry is Thrive Market. I love the quality of their spices including winter favorites like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. I always stock up in my Thrive Market boxes! I order my oat milk directly from Willa’s! You may find this in your local market, but the direct-to-consumer sale means you get a trusted product from a small woman-owned company. Click here to get $10 off your first order! Why I love Willa’s in my OatNog: View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE FACILITY 📍Denver (@thefacilitydenver) You May Also Like: Oat Milk Blueberry Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!
I was so fortunate to get early access to Willa’s NEW Dark Chocolate Oat Milk made with transparently traded Raaka chocolate. Let me tell you, it is gooooooooood. I’ve already ranted about why Willa’s is the THE BEST Oat Milk on the market. Now, I get to fill you in on why THIS is the best dark chocolate oat milk on the market. Ingredients. Oh man, ingredients. I recently saw a meme on Instagram that said something to the effect of: “Oh? Your product is gluten-free and dairy-free and “healthy”??” Then, had a girl with a really skeptical look saying, “But can I see the ingredient list?”. That girl is ME. Just because the fancy marketing tells you a product is healthy, doesn’t mean the ingredients stack up. With Willa’s I’ve never felt tricked. The ingredients in their Original Unsweetened Oat Milk are literally: Filtered Water, Organic Whole Grain Oats, Organic Real Vanilla Extract, and Salt. I mean, COME ON it doesn’t get any cleaner than that. So, when I heard Willa’s was making a CHOCOLATE version, I knew they’d put the same care into crafting a beverage that is juuuuust right. Healthy Dark Chocolate Oat Milk: What’s the catch? Of course, with a dark chocolate oat milk I was expecting some sort of sweetener. Willa’s chose Maple Sugar to balance the un-roasted cacao. The sweetness from maple is less cloying, more subtle, and perfect complements the bitter chocolate. Unlike many sweeteners, maple sugar has nutritional benefits including antioxidants, minerals like mangesium and zinc, and Vitamin B6. The glycemic index of maple sugar is much lower than other sweeteners, which means less effect on blood sugars. A Note About Sustainability Willa’s puts a huge emphasis on sustainability. They keep this in mind at every step of production. They use ALL of every ingredient, resulting in zero food waste. The tetra-pack (paper!) packaging keeps the oat milk shelf-stable until opened, saving energy in the supply chain without the need for refrigeration. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the Maple Sugar was chosen because it is more environmentally sustainable. Further, by parternering with small Vermont farms they get to support businesses they BELIEVE in. My Favorite Part: What’s NOT in Willa’s Dark Chocolate Oat Milk I can’t talk about Willa’s Dark Chocolate Oat Milk without mentioning all the things they leave out. MOST Oat Milk companies use vegetable oil as an emulsifier, and contain preservatives, gums, and artificial flavorings. All things I actively avoid in my diet. I’m so impressed by the simplicity of the ingredient list, that I’m listing it again: Filtered Water, Organic Whole Grain Oats, Organic Maple Sugar, Organic Cacao, Organic Real Vanilla Extract, and Salt. Willa’s Dark Chocolate Oat Milk is available NOW! Click here to get $10 off your first order. Final Thoughts on Willa’s Organic Dark Chocolate Oat Milk I’m super impressed with Willa’s Oat Milk and I’m a fan for life. This Oat Milk collaboration with Raaka Chocolate was fiiiire. I’m so excited to start baking with it and come up with winter recipes! In the meantime, catch me using this as my staple coffee add-in and simply sipping it straight post-workout. You May Also Like: Dairy-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip w/ Willa’s Oat Milk Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Creamer Want to work with a functional nutritionist to personalize your diet? Struggling with hormone imbalance, IBS, weight gain, mood changes? Let’s look at FOOD FIRST. Read more about Functional Nutrition at The Facility here. CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE 15-Minute Nutrition Consult with Kate to determine your best course of action!
Fall is on the way, and I’m just as excited as any other year. I’m always on the lookout early for the best pumpkin recipes, and luckily I have Once Upon A Pumpkin to thank for the inspiration. She starts pumpkin season on July 5 and I am here for it. These frozen Pumpkin Cashew Cream Layer Bars are a perfect transition recipe. My Vegan Pumpkin Layer Bars are inspired by her No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe, only modified to eliminate dairy, almonds and of course add-in the best non-dairy milk on the planet: Willa’s Oat Milk. These Pumpkin Cashew Cream Layer Bars are a big hit for kids and adults alike! Plan ahead, because they get even better overnight – the cashew cream sets and the spices develop. I have a feeling they’ll be a staple at group gatherings all fall. Related: Pumpkin Perfect Bars If you’re looking for an easy mix and assemble type of side dish- here it is. These Layer Bars come together quickly: with allergen-friendly ingredients that keep you feeling your best. “Vegan Pumpkin Cashew Cream Layer Bars” are a perfect treat that will impress your friends and family. They don’t even have to know how healthy they are! Cashews are often used in vegan cooking to replace heavy cream sauces, and when blended with honey or maple syrup, it takes on a cream cheese-like texture. The nutty base plus the creamy oat milk and cashews are a perfect marriage. Pumpkin just enhances it all! I’m all for pumpkin year-round. It’s an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin c, vitamin e, fiber, and potassium. The rich orange color indicates it is a vibrant source of phytonutrients. I’m always looking to eat the rainbow! What’s In Pumpkin Cashew Cream Layer Bars? Oat + Nut Base Ingredients: -Rolled Oats -Pecans or Walnuts -Unsweetened Flaked Coconut -Pitted Medjool Dates -Honey or Maple Syrup -Coconut Oil -Vanilla Extract “Cheesecake” Layer Ingredients: -Raw, Soaked Cashews –Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oatmilk -Thrive Market Pureed Pumpkin -Honey -Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon Impress your friends with these Vegan Pumpkin Cashew Cream Layer Bars made with Oat Milk! My favorite Pumpkin is Thrive Market Organic Pumpkin. I always stock up in my Thrive Market boxes- year round! I order my oat milk directly from Willa’s! You may find this in your local market, but the direct-to-consumer sale means you get a trusted product from a small woman-owned company. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE FACILITY 📍Denver (@thefacilitydenver) You May Also Like: Oat Milk Blueberry Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!
Spring has sprung, summer’s on the way, and I’m looking for ways to lighten up my meals. I enjoy leaning into seasonal eating and there is a natural transition into brighter flavors as the weather warms. This lightened up Spinach & Green Pea pasta dish brings that brightness with lemon and fresh greens. It’s still made all-in-one-pot for quick prep and cleanup! This pasta dish is great warm, but it shines as a leftover cool pasta salad the next-day! This meal gets bonus points with a gluten-free pasta, dairy-free milk, and protein from broth. It’s clean as can be and I feel good about eating it. Oat milk offers a great creaminess without heaviness. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan! For the ultimate sugar-free, clean, dish I use Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oat Milk. Related: Gluten-Free Oat + Almond Bread If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, AND flavor-packed meal- here it is. This dish comes together quickly: with super-clean ingredients that keep you feeling your best. “One Pot Spinach & Green Pea Pasta” is a perfect quick dinner or lunch that will help you reach your micronutrient goals. If you need a protein boost, add shrimp, chicken, or fish. You can also go completely plant-based by replacing the bone broth with a vegetable broth. There’s room for substitutions here, but this is my go-to ingredient list: -Gluten-Free Chickpea Pasta –Homemade Bone Broth -Garlic, Onions, Herbs -Frozen Peas and Carrots -Fresh Baby Spinach -Lemon –Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oatmilk Lighten things up with this Fresh, Light Pasta cooked with Oat Milk! My newest pasta find is Chickpea Penne. I always order mine through Thrive Market! I order my oat milk directly from Willa’s! You may find this in your local market, but the direct-to-consumer sale means you get a trusted product from a small woman-owned company. Click here to get $10 off your first order! View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE FACILITY 📍Denver (@thefacilitydenver) You May Also Like: Oat Milk Blueberry Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Oat and Almond Bread Shop This Article: DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!
This simple green smoothie made with Willa’s Oat Milk is a lightened up ready-for-spring treat! No sugar, clean ingredients.
Looking for ways to change up your breakfast routine? Chia Pudding is a great alternative because it can be made days in advance and it contains excellent fiber and Omegas from seeds. Willa’s oat milk works great for extra carbohydrates and flavor. I used Willa’s Organic Unsweetened Oat Milk in this recipe. Here’s why Willa’s is the only oat milk I will use. Chia pudding is versatile because there are plenty of topping options! For a more filling treat, try adding more fruit, or some granola for crunch. Change up the flavor profile with different herbs. I love pairing blueberries and basil with coconut cream. Other Willa’s Recipes: Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk Creamer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Shop this Recipe:
Pumpkin is such a perfect pairing for gluten-free baking. Often, GF flours tend to be very dry and tasteless. However, pumpkin add moisture and gives breads, muffins, and cakes a “normal” texture. I used a combination of Oat Flour (which is JUST ground whole oats) and Almond Flour (JUST almond meal). Many gluten-free flours use gums and starches. These are helpful for mimicking the binding quality of gluten, but I found unnecessary for this type of sweet bread. The less-processed and closer-to-whole-food my diet can be, the better I feel. This bread isn’t overly sweet, but I put chocolate on EVERYTHING…. so there was no exception here. I didn’t add them into the batter, but simply sprinkled sugar-free chocolate chips on top! Scrumptious! Shop this recipe: I also get a lot of my baking staples from THRIVE MARKET. New to Thrive Market? It is an online marketplace for healthy foods, home products, clean beauty, pet supplies, and more. Low Prices and great discounts on top brands like EPIC, Primal Kitchen, Siete, and Wild Planet. I shop my pantry essentials regularly from Thrive Market to save money. Some of my favorites include: Coconut Oil, Collagen Peptides, Maple Syrup, Cashew Butter, and Sardines. Join today and save 25% on your first order!!