// by Ally Sorrells

Everyone from lactose-intolerant individuals to health-minded millennials are seeking alternatives to dairy products, with non-dairy milk sales growing some 61 percent in the last five years. “Even if you aren’t dairy-free, it’s a really awesome supplement,” says Plantology Juice and Café owner Ashley Griffin. For a homemade version, Griffin suggests soaking one cup of nuts or seeds in water overnight, then blending the nuts with four cups of water and any other desired flavor additives (think dates, vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa or salt). After blending, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter, and enjoy—with or without the mustache. 

// by Stephanie Wolff

What’s better than a crispy piece of bacon? An entire day devoted to salty and meaty goodness. Bacon Fest is held August 4, 4-7 PM at the Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel. Guests can expect three varieties of bacon cocktails, as well as a bacon-infused beer from Bold City Brewery. The real draw is the food, of course, and the event serves it in spades, from bacon-wrapped gator bites to maple bacon ice cream sandwiches. The truly dedicated pork-connoisseurs can take it to the next level by participating in the Bacon Olympics, competing against opponents for a variety of prizes as well as the grand prize—the Bacon Trophy. Tickets are $15-$25.

// by Ally Sorrells 

Nothing says summer like sweet treats and entertainment to relax with friends, loved ones or mingle with a new crowd. Whether you are an aspiring kid baker or an adult looking for a night out, take advantage of the following sweet classes to reveal in the last weeks of summer bliss.

July 12 | Join Le Macaron for the adult-only Art of Cooking: Room for Dessert event at the Cummer Museum, which will transport you to the sweet streets of France with a lesson on classic French desserts. From macarons to pastries, the event will satisfy your sweet tooth and quench your thirst as you learn about French baking alongside beer and wine. 6-8 PM. $40 for non-members. $30 for members.

July 24 | For a morning filled with sweet treatschildren ages 10-15 can head to Alleycakes’ Kid’s Dessert Display Camp.The campers will be given a behind-the-scenes tour of Alleycakes, learn the basics of three different desserts and how to turn those desserts into beautiful displays. The morning will be finished off as the kids spend time applying their food styling skills to create sweet displays of their own. Perhaps the best part, the kiddos can bring their sweet treats home for the whole family to enjoy. 9 AM-12 PM. $120.

August 11 | Learn the tricks of the trade with Alleycakes’ Cake Explosion Class. The professionally guided class will take you through the process of creating an explosion cake, which is ready to spill out candy from the center the moment you cut it open. From stacking to decorating, the class will teach you how to make the show stopper for your next celebration. 5:30-8 PM. $70.

// by Erin Garnett

Honey just got a spirited new twist. Stubbees, a Jacksonville-based company, spent years perfecting its recipe for bourbon-infused honey, which can be used to jazz up teas, coffee, baked goods, cocktails and even a glaze for roasted meats. “The process alone took nearly two years working with fellow foodies and bourbon aficionados to bring all of the elements together for this unique flavor,” says Stubbees founder Justin Stubblefield. His aim was to create an original recipe that showcases “the bold blend of bourbon and floral honey.” Stubbees ($22 for a 12-ounce bottle) is available at area retailers such as Vintage Arts, The Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café and Cultivate Jax.

// by Ally Sorrells

In 2012, People’s Pale Ale became the first craft beer to be canned in Florida. Now, six years and some one million cans later, Intuition Ale Works has decided to retire the flagship beer from its year-long canning program. “Over time, we’ve seen the interest in People’s slowly decline,” says chief operating officer Brad Lange. “It’d be easy to be nostalgic and keep People’s around forever. But we owe it to everyone who has supported Intuition over the years to keep pushing forward creatively and brewing new beers.” Despite the retirement from the canning program, People’s will remain available on draught at the brewery’s downtown taproom and at bars throughout Jacksonville. Intuition’s Daybreak Grapefruit Gose, brewed with coriander and grapefruit peel, will replace People’s Pale and be added to its year-round canning program. 

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So- called “superfoods” (ingredients that pack a punch in terms of nutritional value) have taken over the health food world in recent years. From antioxidant powders in mushrooms to bee pollen and even activated charcoal in latte form (yep, it’s even available in Jax), these power-packed edibles are believed to be beneficial for the brain and body.

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Activated Charcoal

Charcoal is one of the hottest beauty trends, and for good reason. Activated charcoal traps toxins and chemicals in the body and flushes them out so they can’t be reabsorbed. Some charcoal-infused products include toothpaste, face washes and soaps, but you can even drink the stuff in BREW Five Points’new charcoal and lavender latte.
Reported Benefits: Rids body of toxins, promotes healthy digestive system and relieves GI issues, helps prevent premature aging and can even help treat a drug overdose or poisoning.
Sources: Powders, tablets and capsules can be found at most pharmacies or nutrition stores.

Blue Majik

The color of this vibrant blue powder comes from a powerful antioxidant with the ability to quench free radicals. Blue Majik acts as a potent natural COX-2 inhibitor, an enzyme that targets inflammation and pain from arthritis, cramps and other acute injuries.
Reported Benefits: Alleviates chronic inflammation, helps the body recover from muscle pain and fatigue, promotes healthy immune and cardiovascular systems.
Sources: Buy it online as a pill or use a sprinkle of its powdered form in smoothies, yogurt or overnight oats. A Blue Majik-infused smoothie (Duval Teal We Die) can be found at Native Sun Natural Foods Market.

Pitaya

Also known as dragon fruit, pitaya is the fruit of several cactus species indigenous to the Americas. It’s sweet, crunchy and provides a pop of color to a smoothie or fruit bowl.
Reported Benefits: Not only can dragon fruit help aid in weight loss, it can improve digestion, lower cholesterol and strengthen the immune system. It also defends against harmful bacteria and fungi.
Sources: You can find pityaya raw (typically in the exotic fruit section) or in the frozen section of grocery stores, where it’s already cubed and ready to throw in a bowl or blender. In a raw pitaya, the flesh inside may be white or red and will have tiny black seeds that are edible, similar to kiwi fruit.

Turmeric

Although it’s usually found in a spice cabinet, turmeric also has a long list of medicinal benefits. Turmeric’s main active ingredient, curcumin—which gives it its yellow color—has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and works as a strong antioxidant.
Reported Benefits: Reduces depression symptoms and chances of blood clots, fights inflammation, boosts skin health and immune system.
Sources: Find turmeric at any grocery store and use a pinch in recipes such as scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, rice, soups and teas.

Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Adapto-what? Adaptogens are herbal ingredients that can improve overall health of the adrenal system—the system responsible for your body’s response to stress. Some adaptogenic mushrooms include shiitake, chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms.
Reported Benefits: Strengthens adrenal system and body’s stress response, enhances coping with anxiety and fights fatigue.
Sources: Whole food form, dry powders and capsules can be added to food and drinks.

Lucuma Powder

A scoop of lucuma powder in your favorite food or drink packs a punch full of antioxidants, fiber, carbs and vitamins such as zinc and iron that strengthens immune systems. Don’t be fooled by its sweet maple-like taste, this powder can be used as a natural sweetener without increasing blood sugar levels.
Reported Benefits: Supports skin health, digestion and normal blood sugar levels, improves cardiovascular health; is an excellent source of potassium for muscle recovery.
Sources: Fresh lucuma fruit from ethnic and health food stores is great for smoothies, fruit salads and even ice cream. Its powder form is much easier to find and can also be added to smoothies and drinks. Use one or two drops in oil form for a natural and refreshing facial.

Bee Pollen

Don’t worry, this pollen won’t make allergies flare up, but instead provides an abundance of essential vitamins, minerals, carbs and proteins. Bee pollen can be used as an added dietary supplement to improve overall health.
Reported Benefits: Relieves inflammation, works as an antioxidant, boosts liver health, strengthens the immune system, reduces stress and speeds up healing by killing bacteria and boosting blood flow.
Sources: Usually found in small, crunchy pellets at health food or nutrition stores that can be added to yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies. It can also be ground into a powder used for cooking.

Local Raw Honey

One of the best home remedies for coughs, honey promotes more than just relief from sore throats, but only if it’s found locally. The pollen in local raw honey is just that: local. It contains pollen specific to the area, so when ingested, it helps the body gradually builds up a tolerance to seasonal pollen and the allergies that come along with it.
Reported Benefits: In addition to building tolerance against local pollen and allergies, it can help digestion, relieves coughs and sore throats, balances blood sugar, great source of vitamins like B2, B6, iron and manganese.
Sources: Avoid the grocery store and find raw honey at farmer’s markets or honey farms. Take a spoonful of honey once or twice a day a few months prior to allergy season to build tolerance.