Lactose intolerant? Is Dairy not your friend?

Lactose intolerant? Is Dairy not your friend?
"Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency and hypolactasia, and is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and to a lesser extent milk-derived dairy products." ~Wikipedia

I know first hand all about lactose intolerance, as my husband discovered his intolerance to dairy over 6 years ago. And since then I have changed our diet and my cooking style to accomodate his new dairy- free lifestyle.(that's why you see why my recipes on this blog contain things like almond milk alot) Of course, when you or someone close to you, finds out that dairy is a big no-no, in their life, it can seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be! There are so many great substitutions on the market, to help you in re-thinking your meal planning that with a few simple substitutions, you (and they) won't miss the dairy! Not to mention going dairy-free means lowering your cholesterol levels lower, relieving allergies, and lessening the fat in you diet! So even if you don't have a food allergy, you can still benefit from going dairy free in some of your favorite recipes!
Here are some of my favorite substitutions for your dairy favorites:
Almond milk or Soymilk (though I prefer Almond, as it has a more neutral taste for recipes and drinks)
Smart Balance ("butter" spread)
Almond Dream ice cream and frozen treats
Veggie Shreds ("cheez" slices)
Tofutti "Cream Cheese" and "Sour Cream"

And what kind of person would I be without letting you know that you can be intolerant to dairy but still have cheesecake! Yes Cheesecake!!

Here's my favorite Dairy Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie. I have served this at many a fun holiday occasion, Thanksgiving, etc and nobody knows it's dairy free! Cheesecake with little cholesterol? You betcha!

Dairy Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Ingredients
1 c. granulated sugar
2 tubs (8 oz. each) Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
9 inch graham cracker pie crust or pastry pie crust, whichever you like! (and make sure to read your ingredient list on packaging for any hidden milk product!)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat Tofutti brand cream "cheese" and sugar together. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add eggs and beat entire mixture until smooth.

Pour into 9 inch pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until a knife inserted into the the center comes out clean.

Let cool and enjoy!!