Homemade Almond Milk

I know this isn't a craft. It's a little different from what I've been doing here on my blog but as you've probably notice, I haven't been doing much on here! My life with my 4 little (forces a  sweet, twitching, crooked smile) angels has been filled with such (again with that forced smile) wonderful adventures of school, summer activities, birthday's, parties, sickness, camps, learning experiences, crafts, cleaning and let's not forget a full time job....my husband.....just kidding (that darn smile again), no really my full time job as a home health nurse.  :-)

So, back on track, the almond milk. We as a family, have been trying to eat and live healthier. It hasn't been easy. We have been attending classes, reading books, blogs, watching documentaries and having interesting conversations with friends.  We are taking baby steps and learning a little at a time but slowly we will get this healthy living thing down. And no, it's not easy with 4 very, very, very picky eaters. The kids are still a step behind us with the healthy eating but that's ok. My husband and I are learning and changing our ways and we lead by example right? The kids will eventually listen to us and see us doing it so they will follow, right? Ya, right! In our dreams but hey baby steps. They try everything and like 1 out of every 20 things. That's progress in my books. :-)

I got this Almond milk recipe from our local Wellness Kitchen. It is a wonderful non profit that makes all organic, gluten free foods for those in need of recovery from a sickness or just wanting to change the way they eat. They offer education classes, cooking classes, a peaceful place to relax, read, learn and eat. They are a wonderful and giving blessing for many people.

After the recipe I will write about the nutritional facts about almonds. Also, some yummy variations you can do with this recipe to make all kinds of treats :-) So, please make sure you read on.

Almond Milk

~ This recipe makes about 4 cups, 1 quart mason jar. 

Items needed:

~ Mason jar - 12 pack from Walmart $6

(I store only in glass jars to prevent toxin leaks from plastic containers)

~ Nut Milk Bag. They are about $8-$9 on Amazon

~ Blender

~Small bowl

~ Measuring cup

Ingredients:

1 cup of almonds, soaked overnight (will become about 1-1/2 cups after soak)

4 cups water

1 medium date, pit out (optional, adds slight sweetness)

Directions:

1. Strain and rinse almonds until water runs clear. 

2. In blender, I used Vitamix, add almonds, water and date. 

3. Blend on high until it reaches milk consistency. Vitamix was about 10 secs. 

4. Using a medium bowl, place your nut milk bag in the bowl, open your nut milk bag and pour some of your almond milk into the bag. Twist the bag starting from the top moving down to strain the milk from the bag. Continue until the bag seems kind of dry or only a couple of drips are coming out. 

5. Pour the milk into the mason jar. 

6. Pour the almond meal out into the bowl. 

That's it! Super easy! 

You can freeze the almond meal and use for other projects (which I have not come up with yet). 

It is suggested not to freeze the almond milk. I have read that it causes the milk properties to change and then it tastes different. 

Uses:

Warm and mix with chocolate for killer hot coco

Warm and add a little cinnamon

Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol free) before blending for a sweeter taste. 

Add to coffee and tea
Use in shakes with your favorite organic fruit 

So many ways you can use it!

** The almond milk is good for 4 days in the fridge.**

** Shake well before each use**

So, drink up! Enjoy it! 

Food Wisdom:

Almonds contain more calcium than any other nut and have the highest dietary fiber than any nut or seed with a whopping 3 grams of fiber per ounce. They are rich in vitamin E, iron, and B vitamins. 

Soaking nuts, seeds grains and legumes germinates or "ends it's dormancy" and the food begins new life. Nutrients become readily available to assimilate, barriers get broken down and the food becomes easier to digest.