Prairie Grass Cafe co-chef/co-owner Sarah Stegner has developed a line of Pecan-based products including a healthy and delicious Pecan Milk made from pecans sourced from her friend farmer/chef Tracey Vowell's (Three Sisters Garden) family ranch in Tennessee.
"So many people are allergic to cow's milk," she says. Sarah herself doesn't eat dairy. "I'm making my own alternative, pecan milk. I prefer to make my own so I know exactly what's in it."
"Pecans are the most antioxidant-rich of all nuts," adds holistic nutrition consultant Carol Wagner. "In fact, the USDA lists pecans in the top 15 foods known for their antioxidant activity. Pecans also are rich in monounsaturated fats, and have been recommended as a cholesterol-lowering food. They are high in fiber, high in minerals—particularly manganese, and a good source of vitamins—especially vitamin E."
Sarah added a touch of local maple syrup to give the milk sweetness. Sarah is selling the milk at her restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, Illinois, and recently introduced it at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Winter Farmer's Market in Evanston, along with a variety of other homemade pecan-based products including gluten-free pecan crackers. "It's been a big hit," she says.
Sarah's Pecan Milk can be picked-up or ordered in advance for pickup at Prairie Grass Cafe.
For more information, visit www.prairiegrasscafe.com.
