What is a good lactose-free substitute for the whole milk in this recipe?

I'm not sure from your question if you're trying to avoid whole milk or just the lactose. But if lactose is your concern, I accidently purchased lactose-free whole milk at Target (Horizon Organic) not long ago and it behaved like regular milk for what I needed. I'm sure it's available at many grocery and other stores.

I think coconut milk sounds good too. But if you were going for a more neutral flavored milk, cashew milk is a good option. I think it's creamier than almond or soy, and has a less grassy/woody taste. Home-made cashew milk is the creamiest, but store bought is good too, as long as it's all cashew and not an almond-cashew blend.

I have the same problem. no whole milk for me!!! I would use coconut milk instead. It has a similar viscosity to whole milk, and I can't imagine it would hurt the flavor. In fact - I'm thanking you a lot for this question because I've just printed out the recipe and am eager to try it!