#122

Anyone drink almond milk?

I was told recently that I needed to post how I make almond milk:)  Everyone I've made it in front of, has started exclusively making it for their families as well.  It is Soooo easy, saves a TON of money and you can change up the recipe to fit your liking!

I make 3 gallons a week!  Yes I have piglets!!  If your fam drinks almond milk you will be amazed at how much better it tastes homemade.  It's also one of those items that you can buy organic and still be shocked at the ingredients list.  With all the preservatives and my favorite 'natural flavors' you don't know what you are drinking!  Once you look up what 'natural flavors' can entail you will probably steer clear...yuck!

So here it is:

To make about a half gallon (depends on your blender)

-a good blender
-a milk straining bag
-1 1/2 cups almonds (give or take, experiment with different amounts until you find what fits your                 liking)
-5 pitted dates (you can you use figs too...again depending on how sweet you want it, add or subtract)
-a splash of vanilla extract
-a pinch of salt

My out of focus ingredients:)

Soak your almonds overnight in water.  I use filtered water because it absorbs into the almonds.  If you wouldn't drink from your tap don't use it:)
Once they are finished, drain and really rinse them well, until the water runs clear.

I then throw them and all the ingredients into my trustee vita-mix, fill with filtered water and blend.

Before

After

Pour the blended mixture into the strainer over a pitcher.  Let sit for a few minutes to let gravity do most of the works.  Then 'milk' the bag... strangely enough like you would milk a cow!

Voila!  You're finished!  You can use what's left of the almonds to make flour!  My mom makes the most amazing cookies out of her leftovers(I'll ask her for the recipe)!  

I let the milk sit for a few hours in the fridge before drinking.  Make sure you shake it up everytime before pouring...it does settle.

You can experiment with any kind of nut.  Hazelnuts, cashews etc.  I haven't tried any others yet but am interested in trying cashews...