If you have ever had macaroni and cheese and asked the cook whether or not you could substitute milk for flour, the answer would probably be "no". Other people have used nondairy substitutes for milk in mac and cheese but these have been dismissed as a "fringe" option. However, if you look at the nutritional facts on the back of the package, you will see that milk is an important part of the cheese is an important part of the milk. In fact, there are many other things that you can substitute instead.
Interested? Let me show you some examples. First up, can you substitute almond milk for coconut milk? It may seem like a stretch to think of almond milk as a milk substitute in mac and cheese, but the nutritional facts state that almond milk contains many valuable nutrients that are not found in coconut milk.
Next, can you substitute vanilla extract for half? I have often thought that vanilla extract tastes best when used in "diver" cheese sauces, but I have also thought that it is an excellent addition to macaroni and cheese or popcorn sauce. The nutritional facts state that it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. As you can see, from the nutritional perspective, vanilla extract is better than the artificial sweetener that is sometimes included in commercial macaroni and cheese recipes.
Can you take shortcuts by reducing the fat in your recipe? Almost any food can be made slightly thinner. How about coconut milk? A little less creamy? A little less fatty? You can take shortcuts if you choose the right substitute, and by choosing a brand that is similar to what you already use in your recipes, you can still come out with a really good product.
Are you looking for a more textured consistency? In that case, consider using soya milk instead of regular milk. Soya milk will have a little more texture and body, while still retaining the same creamy texture that you love in macaroni and cheese. It will also thicken the macaroni just as if you had added cream. You can adjust the thickness to your liking, just as you do with the other ingredients.
Do you need a little extra nutrition? For example, if you are watching your cholesterol intake, one possible substitute that might be worth exploring is oat bran oil. This is a type of emulsifier that can provide some additional nutriment. For those on a diet, you can even substitute it for oat bran oil, without worrying about its effects on blood sugar.
Have you found that macaroni and cheese sticks or individual macaroni are too taste sensitive? In that case, look for a brand that offers a milk substitute. Many companies will include this as an option when you order your food at the store, so be sure to ask. Some brands that use this technique can offer you a better taste consistency than regular milk, without sacrificing the rich flavor.
If you are buying packaged macaroni and cheese from the grocery store, look for one that has a milk substitute ingredient. This way you won't end up paying for the regular price of milk, and you will get a better taste. That way you can enjoy the creamy, cheesy taste of macaroni and cheese that you love. It's a winning combination!
One alternative that has become popular in recent years is heavy cream. You may have never used this type of milk, but it is used in mac cheese for a reason. The milk doesn't taste that great when it's been strained, but adding some heavy cream can change the taste completely. Some people like the way it makes their noodles taste, and it also adds texture and body. So if you don't like heavy cream, or just prefer to have a smoother flavor in your pasta, this might be a good choice for you.
Another good substitute is shortening. If you've never used shortening before, you'll find that this isn't something you'll usually add to your food. However, it does have a lot of flavor and can really change the feel and taste of your macaroni and cheese. You can find this at just about any store that sells foods that you would typically buy with your regular milk product, including grocery stores, health food stores, and even some pharmacies. If you're not familiar with shortening, you can simply substitute it with vegetable shortening, which will taste just as good and use less calories.
If you're still unsure about which substitutes are right for you, keep in mind that just because a recipe calls for almond milk doesn't mean you need to add it. In fact, many recipes use regular milk and only add the almond milk flavor. You can easily change these recipes to add other flavors, or just use almond milk in place of another milk in the recipes. You can even use soy milk or rice milk instead of regular milk, and find new substitutes for the flavors you love. Changing up your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe is easy, and you can find substitutes for milk in the recipes you love without spending a lot of money.
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