If you have an intolerance to lactose and gluten, many traditional desserts are not appropriate for you. Lactose is the main sugar of milk and it's also present in smaller quantities in cheese, yogurt, whipping cream, butter, ice cream, margarine and milk chocolate. Gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, can be hidden in ice cream, yogurt, pudding mixes, custards, gelatin desserts and commercially prepared desserts.
Chocolate Soy Pudding
You can easily prepare a gluten-free and dairy-free pudding by using silken tofu. This type of tofu is soft, not crumbly like regular tofu, and can be used for dessert preparation. In a food processor, put a package of silken tofu with about 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa butter. To ensure your cocoa is not contaminated with gluten, do not buy it in bulk. Buy well-known brands, as recommended by the Celiac Sprue Association, and contact the manufacturers to confirm their product is gluten-free if it is not clearly labeled. Mix well and you will obtain a smooth and creamy pudding. Instead of adding cocoa, you can add fruits, peanut butter, vanilla or dried coconut for different flavors of pudding.
Coconut Milk Smoothie
Smoothies make a refreshing dessert for summer. However, they are usually made with dairy and therefore contains large amounts of lactose. To prepare a dairy-free smoothie, use coconut milk. You can usually find canned coconut milk at your grocery store. Pour coconut milk in your blender and add your favorite fruits. For example, you could mix banana and strawberries, orange and blueberries or raspberries and kiwifruits. Add a bit of honey or maple syrup if you like and your gluten-free and lactose-free smoothie is ready to enjoy.
Apple Crumble
Apple crumbles are an easy and comforting dessert that can be enjoyed anytime of the year. However, the crumble is usually made with wheat flour and oats, two gluten-containing grains and butter, which may contain lactose. You can prepare a gluten-free and lactose-free version by using any of your favorite gluten-free flour. You can try a mixture of almond and walnut meal, supplemented with some flaxseed meal if you like or go with an all-purpose gluten-free flour available at most grocery stores. Mix your gluten-free flour with brown sugar and a lactose-free margarine until you get a crumbly mixture. Spread over diced apples and bake in the oven about 30 minutes. You can also prepare a crumble with pears or peaches instead of apples and you can even add cranberries or other berries for an interesting mix of flavors.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Baked Goods
If you enjoy cakes, muffins, cookies and pancakes, you can prepare your favorite recipes without the gluten and the lactose. A few substitutions are required but you can get very good results and enjoy your favorite desserts without the ingredients you are sensitive to. Use gluten-free flours in lieu of the traditional gluten-containing flours, such as wheat flour. To avoid using lactose, replace milk with coconut milk, and butter with a lactose-free margarine, coconut oil or vegetable oil.
