Almond Milk

I know many of you may have switched ( or are considering a switch) to almond milk from good old dairy milk. Maybe you are lactose intolerant or just prefer the added benefits of almond milk. The past couple of years I have started to pay more attention to what is IN my food. It's just food right? Wrong. So much of the food we eat and drink is chemical laden and quite possibly not at all what you think it is. Many of the almond milk brands on the market today barely contain actual almonds. What is in it then you ask? Chemicals, fillers, oh and yes! SOME almonds. After learning to pay attention to the details of what is in my food and drink, with the inspiration from my sister, I started to make my own almond milk. I love knowing exactly what is in my milk; almonds and water,  just as it should be! This is so easy it will knock your socks off!  Plus, If you can buy your almonds in bulk it is equal to or less than the price of almond milk in the store. You can not beat that!

What do you need:
2 cups of almonds
6 cups of water
Sturdy blender ( I highly recommend Vitamix brand)
Nut bag Try this one
Bowl

Step one: Cover two cups of almonds with water in a bowl and soak covered with a towel overnight on the counter. (two cups of dry almonds makes about 3 cups of soaked almonds)

Step two: In the morning drain and rinse almonds.

Step three: Add almonds to blender and add 2 cups of water per 1 cup of almonds (6 cups of water in this case)

Step four: Blend, slowly turning up the speed, until you get a creamy milk color and all almonds seem blended.

Step five: Then in a bowl, strain your milk through a nut bag, squeezing gently. Squeeze until it feels like all of the milk has been drained out and you are left with almond pulp in the bag, ( I compost this) but you can just throw away as well.

Step six: Put in a Mason jar or pitcher and refrigerate for up to three days. Milk will separate in the fridge so just give it a little stir before you use it.

Step seven: Enjoy fresh, pure, creamy almond milk.

This will make you about 5 cups of delicious fresh almond milk. You can add this to your smoothies, make vanilla almond milk, use it in your cereal ( I love this homemade granola recipe), make hot chocolate, enjoy it in your homemade pumpkin spice latte, or leave it up to your imagination. The possibilities are endless.