Why Buy Milk? Make Your Own Almond Milk

If you are like me, I buy coconut milk or almond milk when I go get groceries. I use it for baking and mostly my smoothies! Over time, it adds up. I decided that making my own milk would be much more rewarding, healthier, and relaxing. I have had homemade almond milk before but I have never made it myself. It did take about 15 minutes but it is a great stress relief (when you're squeezing the milk out).

Materials:

• a good blender
• a bowl
• a nut bag (or seed bag, even panty hose will do!)
• a pitcher

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Almonds
• 3 Cups water
• 1 Tablespoon Honey or Agave
• 1/2 vanilla bean (optional but very yummy)

What to do:

1. Soak your almonds for at least 4-8 hours. We usually do them overnight (12 hours). This is very important because you want your almonds to be soft and get all the nutrients it has.
2. Blend your almonds and water together on high for 1 minute or until completely blended.
3. Strain through nut bag over bowl. (first image above)
4. Squeeze all the milk through the bag. (middle image above) You have your milk in the bowl and your almond pulp in the bag. You can either save the pulp to make something else or toss it. (last image above)
5. Run water through your blender so you don't have pulp in it. Put your milk back in and add honey and vanilla bean. Blend.
6. Put into pitcher and enjoy!

Note: The almond milk will last around 5-6 days. Drink up! I thought I would not be able to finish it because we made two batches but it was done within 4 days. I will be making more later today once my almonds are soaked through! 

Have you tried making your own milk before? What do you like and dislike about it? What do you use your milk for (besides drinking, of course)? 

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: Rapid Raw Recipe Book
all images are owned by livingtowardslove