Homemade almond milk is fresh, creamy, and free of unnecessary additives. It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and the flavor is so much better than most store-bought versions. Once you’ve made a batch, you can customize it with sweeteners, flavorings, or spices to suit your taste.
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups raw almonds
4 cups pure drinking water
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar)
Pinch of Himalayan salt
METHOD:
Rinse almonds thoroughly, then place them in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 10–12 hours (overnight). Drain and rinse again before using.
Place the soaked almonds and the 4 cups of fresh drinking water in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and frothy, about 1–2 minutes.
Position a nut-milk bag over a large bowl or quart measuring cup (or line a bowl with several layers of cheesecloth). Pour the blended mixture through. Gather up the bag or cheesecloth and gently squeeze until all liquid is extracted, leaving the almond pulp behind.
Pour the strained milk back into the blender. Add the vanilla extract, coconut oil, sweetener, and salt. Blend briefly until smooth and well combined.
Transfer the almond milk to a clean glass jar or bottle. Refrigerate immediately. Almond milk is highly perishable and should be used within 3 days. Shake well before using, as natural separation will occur.
YIELD: 1 quart of vanilla almond milk
TRY THESE IDEAS:
- Freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies.
- Pour over cereal or granola.
- Warm slightly and drizzle over cooked oatmeal.
- Blend with a heaping tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate almond milk.
- Blend with your favorite fruit for a creamy smoothie.
TIPS FOR USING ALMOND PULP:
Don’t toss out the leftover almond pulp! It’s full of fiber and nutrients and can be put to good use:
- Almond flour: Spread the pulp on a baking sheet and dry in a low oven (200°F) until crisp, then grind into flour for baking.
- Smoothies: Add a spoonful to your smoothies for extra fiber.
- Baked goods: Stir into muffins, quick breads, or cookies.
- Energy bites: Mix with oats, nut butter, and honey to roll into snack balls.
- Face scrub: The fine texture makes a gentle, natural exfoliant when mixed with a little honey or yogurt.
