Dairy-free Thanksgiving Substitutes

Think you can’t make your favorite traditional Thanksgiving goodies now that you you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy? Think again! You can still prepare delicious mashed potatoes, gravy and even pumpkin pie with some non-dairy substitutes that your guests will really enjoy. And, they’ll never suspect you didn’t use the “real” thing. Here are some simple substitutes and recipes to get you started:

Milk or cream: You can do a straight 1-1 substitute for milk using alternatives such as unsweetened coconut milk, almond milk, hemp milk, rice milk, or organic soy milk. So Delicious coconut milk products from Turtle Mountain (available in half gallons at Whole Foods and local health food stores) are naturally cholesterol free, contain NO trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, or hydrogenated oils, AND are certified vegan. Canned coconut milk is also widely available from a variety of suppliers, including Thai Kitchen.

Butter: You can leave the butter behind and make a 1-1 substitute using ghee, aka clarified butter. It contains no milk proteins but still has that wonderful buttery flavor you love. Use it in recipes or as a spread. No refrigeration necessary and is widely available in supermarkets, specialty and ethnic markets.

Recipes: without the dairy or butter
Mashed potatoes: Cook your Yukon gold potatoes and drain. Then add ghee and chicken broth (or homemade turkey stock) and mash with a hand mixer. If you want a creamier consistency than what the broth will yield, use unsweetened coconut milk as a one-to-one substitute.
Gravy: Melt 1 T ghee, add 1 T flour (rice, amaranth, sorghum, etc.). Using a whisk, slowly blend in 1 cup (or more) of soup stock or non-dairy milk substitute until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt, pepper, and savory Thanksgiving spices such as sage, thyme and parsley. Add cooked giblets, if desired.
Pumpkin pie: Instead of the sweetened condensed milk or regular milk, use the unsweetened, original or vanilla flavored coconut milk from Turtle Mountain or try canned Thai coconut milk.

So, go ahead, indulge, enjoy and have a safe, blessed Thanksgiving!

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