Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and a healthy component for any smoothie or shake. Almonds are gluten-free, low in carbs, and promote a good cholesterol balance.
Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups or 220 grams of raw almonds (unsalted, uncooked)
- 4 cups of filtered or spring water
- 1 vanilla bean; scoop out the seeds; alternatively, use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract
- stevia*, agave syrup**, rice syrup**, honey** or other reasonably healthy sweetener, to taste.
* Phase 3A
** Phase 3B
** Phase 3B
Steps
-
1Soak the almonds in water overnight. Do this for at least 8 hours, up to about 12
hours. The soaking softens them well for use, but is optional. Drain the
water from the almonds.
-
2Blend the almonds in 4 cups of fresh spring or
filtered water. Add the vanilla extract and continue blending until
well mixed. -
3Sweeten to taste if desired. If you want to sweeten the almond milk, add stevia*, agave
syrup**, rice syrup**, honey** or other reasonably healthy
sweetener, to taste. -
4Strain. This is very important or you will be drinking almond pulp as well as the
milk. Using something like a very fine strainer or sieve, or several layers of cheesecloth (muslin), pour the almond milk through the filter into a large bowl underneath. The filter will retain the almond pulp and the liquid will go through. {Leslie G. recommends a new Home Depot® paint strainer bag - same effect -
less expensive!}
- Squeeze the remaining pulp to remove the last of the liquid. It is easier if done using a cloth; otherwise, use your very clean hands.
- The almond meal left over can be dried and used to add more fiber to your diet.
-
5Store. Almond milk can be kept in the
refrigerator for 4-7 days, covered. It will usually need shaking before
serving, to remix the liquid. -
6Use. Almond milk can be used with a range of
foods where you would use dairy milk, such as for cooking, for cereals,
for drinking, etc. Those who love almond milk often find drinking it is
best.
Tips
- It is important to use several layers of cheesecloth to make a filter.
- Some health food stores and online retailers sell special nut milk strainer.
- If you would like to add dates as a sweetener, try adding 3 - 5 pitted dates at the same time as you blend the almonds.
- This is lactose free and is a good milk alternative for the lactose intolerant.
Things You'll Need
- Blender
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Fine sieve or strainer; or layers of cheesecloth/muslin
- Storage jug with lid or cover
Sources and Citations
- Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, The Joy of Vegan Baking, 2007, ISBN 1-59233-280-3 (this variant also adds dates and salt to the milk as per "Tips").
- ↑ http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/106/11/1327
- ↑ Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, The Joy of Vegan Baking, "Almond or Cashew Milk", p 223
© 2009-2012 TrimYou
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