Despite the word ‘vanilla’ being used to describe something ‘ordinary’ in more recent times, the real thing is anything but! Vanilla is arguably the world’s most popular flavour and there’s a good reason why – it smells and tastes delicious! Here are a few other fun facts about vanilla:

 

• Vanilla is the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid family.
• There are a number of therapeutic uses for vanilla, for example in some cultures it’s used as an aphrodisiac or to aid with digestive issues. The aroma has also been known to have calming and relaxing effects on people.
• Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world today after saffron due to it being found in only specific parts of the world and the fact it can only be pollinated by certain insect species or by hand.
• Vanilla can be used to reduce your sugar intake, acting as a sweet flavour enhancer with fewer calories and carbohydrates than sugar for better heart health.

 

If you’re looking for a velvety vanilla hit look no further than Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk. It’s a delightfully delicious alternative to traditional milk made from whole blanched almonds with extra calcium that’s also 100% plant-based, gluten free, soy free and carrageenan free.

 

With no added sugar and a hint of vanilla for subtle natural sweetness, its creamy mouthfeel and smooth texture make it a great dairy free source of calcium that’s perfect for everything from cooking and baking to smoothies, on oats and cereal, or sipped straight from a glass. Even if you’re not normally a fan of almond milk, this one is real gamechanger because of – you guessed it – vanilla!

 

Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond is now available at both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets nationally and other independent retailers. For more info, recipes and plant-based inspiration head to: califiafarms.com.au or @califiafarmsau

 

About Califia Farms (pronounced “Cal-uh-FEE-ah” like California)

Inspired by the bounty of California, Califia Farms is on a mission to nourish the world with the wisdom of a plant based lifestyle. The company creates innovative, healthy and great-tasting premium beverages that make it easy for consumers to go plant-based and dairy-free, without compromise. Califia Farms is one of the fastest-growing natural beverage companies in the U.S., as well as the leading brand in the natural products plant-based milks category. Founded in 2010 by beverage visionary, Greg Steltenpohl, in partnership with a farmer's co-op based in the San Joaquin Valley, Califia Farms is a uniquely California company. Its Bakersfield, Calif. manufacturing plant is powered 100% by renewable energy and re-purposes more than 90% of its post-production byproduct.

RASPBERRY, VANILLA, COCONUT & PASSIONFRUIT PANCAKES

A recipe from Chef Tom Walton

 

Makes 4-6 pancakes (depending on size)

 

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups buckwheat flour 1 cup coconut yoghurt

¼ cup almond meal or desiccated coconut 2 passionfruit

1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 punnet raspberries

Pinch ground cinnamon 1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

1 cup Califia Farms unsweetened vanilla almond milk Maple syrup to drizzle

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp white vinegar (optional)

1/3 cup maple syrup or coconut sugar

Zest 1 lemon

 

¼ cup coconut oil or non-dairy butter to cook the pancakes.

 

Method:

1. Add and mix through the almond milk, coconut oil, vinegar, if using, maple and lemon zest.

2. Heat a non-stick frying- pan over a high heat and if you have one, place a love heart cutter in the pan.

3. Add a little oil to the pan and spoon in about ½ cup of pancake batter. Cook for about 2 minutes then carefully flip and cook for 2 minutes more. If using the heart cutter, remove this before flipping the pancake. Repeat until all the mix has been cooked.

4. To serve, combine the yoghurt with the pulp of 1 passion fruit and spoon this over your pancakes then top with raspberries, coconut maple syrup and more passionfruit.

“Share the love and deliciousness this valentine's day with my raspberry, coconut, vanilla and passionfruit pancakes. Go that extra effort and cut them into love hearts for bonus points.”

“These are vegan, gluten free, super simple and so scrumptious. Kids friendly and perfect for a slow morning or breakfast in bed. I made these with the delicious, creamy Califia Farms Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk which you can picked up at Woolworths with the rest of the ingredients.”

 

More info:

Tom Walton is a chef and dad from Bondi, Sydney with a focus on family friendly and plant-based delicious recipes. Follow his Instagram here: @cheftomwalton

 

For more details on Califia Farms visit: califiafarms.com.au or head to @califiafarmau