HBD: Bake Much?
March 25 2010
You’re in the mood to bake. You’re prancing around the kitchen in a sexy apron, clutching your favorite spatula, with a yummy recipe on the counter. But that recipe probably contains ingredients like butter, eggs, cream, refined sugar—otherwise known as everything on your Don’t-Eat-Or-It-Will-Go-Straight-To-My-Thighs list. No need to close the cookbook! Available at most natural markets and health specialty food retailers, these fantastically healthy alternatives could even fool Martha Stewart’s taste buds.
Better than Butter
Try slathering this on your bread, Fabio. Earth Balance is all-natural with zero trans fat and the ability to drive “good” cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad (LDL). It looks and tastes a lot like butter and can be used the same way: to coat your pan, bake desserts or top off your bagel.
Egg Replacements
Though the idea of using a powder as an egg substitute might seem odd, believe us, Ener-G Egg Replacer works wonders. Simply blend with some warm water, mix with your other ingredients, and watch it fluff up a cake like nobody’s business!
Cream Alternatives
Non-dairy MimiCreme is free of sugar, soy and gluten. To add a little extra fun to your dish (or maybe your bedroom), look for plant-based whipped cream like Soyatoo.
Nut-Based Milks
Nuts may not have nipples but they make one heck of a delicious cup of milk. There are many different types of nut milks, soy and rice being the most popular, but give almond, hemp or coconut a try, too—our current fave is So Delicious Coconut Milk, yum! You can even make your own by soaking nuts in water overnight, blending, then straining out the pulp.
Natural Sweetener
You know that you should avoid processed sugar and artificial sweeteners, but sometimes you just can’t deny your sweet tooth. Try these healthier alternatives: evaporated cane juice, raw organic sugar, maple sugar or syrup (our favorites are from Fair Trade certified Wholesome Sweeteners), and agave nectar (a great honey replacement).
Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips
Mmmmm … chocolate. Several brands make great chips without dairy, including Tropical Source and Sunspire. For a healthier spin, try raw cacao or carob chips—they’re a little different, but they’ll grow on you!
Gelatin-Free Marshmallows
Do you really want to eat marshmallows made from animal hooves? Dandies’ vegan alternatives are perfect for topping hot chocolate or baking Rice Krispie treats, but if you’re looking for marshmallow cream, try Ricemellow.
Now, let’s see if the stove works, shall we?
Do you care about what you’re putting into your mouth and on your body? Would you prefer thighs that don’t touch? Are you a sucker for the environment? Get your daily snack for social change, and take a stand for what you believe in, damnit. From the co-author of New York Times Bestseller, Skinny Bitch, Healthy Bitch Daily is your online lifestyle resource that keeps it real, with fun topics on nutrition, health, fitness, beauty, style and staying eco-chic. Find something new to talk about at the dinner table.
