How to make Sunflower Yogurt
I learned more working on this allergy-friendly Sunflower Yogurt recipe than any other recipe so far. It’s been kind of thrilling working through the obstacles (see last post ), and I’m so happy to have learned a new skill. I’m a perpetual student (I spent 22 years in school), and the kitchen continues to be my learning ground. In fact, I call it my chemistry lab.
Making homemade Dairy-free, Soy-free, Nut-free yogurt was no simple task (particularly since I don’t own a yogurt maker, but I figured, “Who does?” and forged ahead.) This recipe took no less than 10 attempts to get right. It challenged me to think in new ways, and the end result is a new concept in yogurt. Seed Milk Yogurt! Packed with protein, vitamin E, and good-for-you bacteria, all without any common allergens — this might just be a new superfood!
How to make Sunflower Milk
This recipe for Sunflower Milk is the first installment in my homemade Sunflower Yogurt recipe, which will be up next. Gotta make the milk first, to get to the yogurt! These recipes were developed in response to a reader request for a homemade dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free yogurt recipe.
I first tried making rice milk yogurt with store-bought rice milk. No go. I tried store-bought rice milk with hemp seeds added (yogurt seems to need protein and carbohydrates to grow). That worked a tiny bit, but tasted gross. Then I tried rice milk with a little rice protein powder added. It tasted like, well, like protein powder, and it didn’t really thicken. I tried using coconut milk. Again it didn’t work. I tried using hemp milk. Nope. And then, I finally realized that most of the vegan yogurt recipes out there rely on homemade cashew milk. Great… except, I can’t use nuts. This is an allergy-friendly recipe.
So this left me back at the drawing board. Until I realized, I could make my own seed milk. Sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are both mild, and protein rich. One of the two just might work. So, I set about making homemade seed milk. Read on below to learn how to make your own Sunflower Seed Milk and come back next week to get the recipe for yogurt!
Nut Free Charoset
As promised last week in my Allergy Free Roasted Asparagus Soup post, I’m continuing the theme of Passover and Easter recipes. Today’s post is Nut-Free Charoset, that’s gluten-free and Kosher for Passover.
A fruit and nut dish traditionally eaten at Passover, charoset represents the mortar which the enslaved Hebrews used when constructing storehouses and buildings in ancient Egypt. (I love food history!) Ashkenazi recipes usually contain apples, raisins, cinnamon, and honey, while Sephardic often include dates, oranges, and apricots. Since I’m both Ashkenazi and Sephardic, this hybrid charoset combines elements of both traditions — but without the usual nuts, since both my son Lennon and I are allergic to them! Apple pieces add crunchiness and pomegranate juice ties together this super-healthy dish. Try it with roasted meat or enjoy it as a spread on gluten-free matzo.