FLOUR, SUGAR AND MILK SUBSTITIUTIONS: RECIPES MADE A LITTLE HEALTHIER
Whether you are making an old family recipe or trying a brand new one..... there's always room to "health it up" with some great flour, sugar and milk substitutions!
FLOUR:
White flour is not the best selection; it is heavily processed, it has had the bran and germ stripped from it and a chemical bleaching agent has been used to make it a bright white colour.
Luckily there are many healthier alternatives available that are great in recipes, including:
Almond Flour
Amaranth flour
Barley Flour
Buckwheat Flour
Coconut Flour
Hazelnut Flour
Millet Flour
Oat Flour
Quinoa Flour
When you substitute with various flours you will notice a difference in the colour, texture and flavour of baked goods so you may have to experiment a bit to find the right one for you.
Substitutions will also be required in varying amounts when compared to white flour… click here for a great guide from Bob’s Red Mill that will make substituting a breeze!
SUGAR:
Sugar is just not good for us… plain and simple… it contributes to weight gain, diabetes, cavities, our unhealthy gut bacteria loves to feast on it and it contributes to many imbalances in our body; read more here
Sugar is sugar is sugar so even if you choose the healthier natural alternatives below… moderation is important
Natural Sweeteners Include:
Pure Maple Syrup
works well as a substitute in baked goods and cakes
you won’t need as much as what the recipe calls for, substitute with 2/3 -3/4 cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of white sugar
you won’t need as much liquid as the recipe calls for so you can decrease by about 3 tbsp.
Brown Rice Syrup
works well as a substitute for cookies, granola, pies and puddings
you may need a little more than what the recipe calls for with white sugar, substitute with 1 1/3 cups for 1 cup of white sugar
you won’t need as much liquid as the recipe calls for so you can decrease the liquid by about ¼ cup
Honey
works well as a substitute for baked goods
you can also use as an alternate sweetener for herbal tea and coffee
you won’t need as much as what the recipe calls for with white sugar, substitute with ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of white sugar
Blackstrap Molasses
great for use in many bread and cookie recipes
makes a great topping for pancakes and waffles
substitute equal amounts
Stevia
great for all types of cooking, baking and beverages
a little goes a long way; substitute 1 tsp. of powder for every 1 cup of white sugar
MILK:
Many recipes call for milk as part of the liquid content of the recipe but for many of us milk is not what we want and/or need. For some it’s a matter of intolerance and for others it’s a matter of choice; whatever the reasons there are many alternatives that are great in recipes including:
Water
Almond Milk
Coconut Milk
Cashew Milk
Soy Milk
Rice Milk
Any of these alternatives can be used in place of milk in many of your recipes with good results. Some of the choices may change the overall flavour and/or texture of the recipe so you may have to experiment a little until you discover what works best for you.
A quick Google search will provide you with a vast array of recipes using alternatives to milk; give some a try today and see how you like them!
Regardless of the substitutions you are making just remember always choose the best ingredients possible!
Purchase fresh, local and natural ingredients
Sending A Wish Your Way For A Well BALANCED Day
Jenny