Milk. What is it? Is coconut milk really milk? Soy? Almond? The list goes on … 

According to Webster’s Dictionary, milk is (1) “A fluid secreted by the mammary glands of females for the nourishment of their young” and (2) “a food product produced from seeds or fruit that resembles and is used similarly to cow’s milk.”

Now the dairy farmers of America would argue the point (and have argued and are arguing) that the word “milk” means the product comes from a mammal, and all the other nutzos (if you will) need to come up with another word. Of course they aren’t the ones who get to make that final decision. But Webster’s isn’t exactly a governing body when it comes to terminology either, at least not in the legal sense. 

The Food Institute cites the legal definition of milk as follows: “Milk means the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows, which may be clarified and may be adjusted by separating part of the fat therefrom; concentrated milk, reconstituted milk, and dry whole milk. Water, in a sufficient quantity to reconstitute concentrated and dry forms, may be added.”

AND THE FEDS? The U.S. FDA defines milk products as: “Food products made exclusively or principally from the lacteal secretion obtained from one or more healthy milk-producing animals, e.g., cows, goats, sheep, and water buffalo, including, but not limited to, the following: lowfat milk, skim milk, cream, half and half, …” SOURCE: RegistarCorp

The dairy farmers argue that using the word “milk” to describe a plant-based product misleads consumers. But I don’t buy that. I mean come on … how stupid are we? Wait. Don’t answer that … But you get my point, eh?

Regardless, since today is National Milk Day I’m going to go ahead and spread the word by posting a short list (see below) of some of my favorite recipes that use milk, plant-based “milk” that is. Why? Because until someone tells me otherwise, I can. That’s why. Listen, I have nothing against dairy … it’s just not for me and if you want to know why you can read more about why I don’t eat dairy but the gist of it is:

• Nearly 70 percent of Americans have some type of lactose intolerance (hence the stomach pains, digestive issues, and overall blah feelings)
• Dairy products contribute more saturated fat to the American diet than any other food(s)
• And saturated fat leads to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer

National Milk Day on January 11th commemorates the day many think the first milk deliveries in glass bottles began in the United States. Alexander Campbell of the New York Dairy Company professed to the New York State Senate that his company was the first to make these deliveries in 1878. SOURCE: National Day Calendar

DISCLAIMER: Our recipes are just that, ours. Some are modified versions of dishes we’ve had elsewhere or old-favorites that contained animal proteins that we replaced with plant-based options, while others are a concentrated effort of trial and error. But all are intended to be altered by you and made to suit your tastes. So if you want more garlic or none at all, go for it. You do you ; ) Now for the serious part … periodically this site does offer health, nutrition and exercise information. The information provided is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice given by a licensed physician or other health-care professional. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, consult your physician and never delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.