Make Almond Milk

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.

Ingredients

 * 1.5 cups or 220 grams of raw almonds (unsalted, uncooked)
 * 4 cups or 940 millilitres of filtered or spring water
 * 1 vanilla bean; scoop out the seeds; alternatively, use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract

Steps

 * 1)  Soak 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.
 * 2)  [[Image:Making Almond Milk 4858.jpg|thumb]]Blend the almonds in 4 cups of fresh spring or filtered water. Add the vanilla extract and continue blending until well mixed.
 * 3)  Sweeten to taste if desired. If you want to sweeten the almond milk, add agave syrup, rice syrup, honey or other reasonably healthy sweetener, to taste.
 * 4)  Strain. 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.
 * 5) *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.
 * 6) *The almond meal left over can be dried and used to add more fiber to your diet.
 * 7)  [[Image:Raw Almond Milk 1157.jpg|thumb]]Store. Almond milk can be kept in the refrigerator for 4-7 days, covered. It will usually need shaking before serving, to remix the liquid.
 * 8)  [[Image:Vegan Smoothie Made With Almond Milk, Fresh Nectarine and Frozen Mango Chunks 082909Sa 4554.jpg|thumb|Vegan smoothie]]Use. 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

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Marzipan
 * How to Blanch Almonds
 * How to Make Acorn Flour
 * How to Make Condensed Milk

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").