DIY Almond Milk Recipe

Last week we talked about the yucky ingredient "carrageenan" in many of our milk substitutes... this week I am giving you the homemade (and delicious!) recipe for Almond milk.

Remember, you DON'T need to do this to avoid the carcinogen. I know almonds are expensive, just check the ingredients list at the supermarket or check out this handy list from the Cornucopia Institute and you'll be safe!

However, I encourage you to try making it homemade- so yummy, fun, and creative!

Almond Milk Recipe
Makes 3 to 4 cups

Soaking almonds overnight helps soften them, along for easier blending and a more velvety milk.
However, if you don't have time to soak them, bring a small pot of water to boil, add almonds for 4 to 5 minutes, then drain.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup blanched RAW almonds 
• OPTIONAL Ingredients: Dates, vanilla, raw honey

EQUIPMENT:

• Mesh nut bag (Find online or at local health food store) You could also use a cheesecloth.
• Blender

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To a bowl, add almonds and cover with cold water.  Set aside to soak overnight; drain.
2. To a blender, add almonds and 3 to 4 cups water (NOTE: For a creamier milk, use 3 cups water. To get more mileage out of your almonds use 4 cups.) Blend on HIGH until smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Set up a mesh bag over a bowl or pitcher and pour mixture into bag.  Hold bag closed with one
   
   hand, gently squeeze bag to get liquid out.  If using dates, vanilla and/or sweetener, return strained mixture to blender, then add vanilla and/or sweetener and blend again to combine.  Store in a sealed jug or jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days.

NOTE: Since homemade almond milk doesn't have any emulsifiers, it has a tendency to separate. Always give it a good shake before using.  Instead of discarding the almond pulp in the mesh bag, you can mix some of it into your baked goods to add an extra punch of fiber!

Also, besides vanilla, dates, or honey you can get creative and flavor your almond milk however you want! How about some raw cacao nibs for an extra boost of magnesium? (and yummy chocolate flavor!!)

Cheers to your health!