Learning how to make almond milk is easy. Avoid those unhealthy ingredients found in commercial varieties by making your own today.

I was surprised to find how simple this process really is. I especially like that when I make my own, I have full control of what goes into it.

And, for me I prefer unsweetened, so just nuts and water however if you prefer a sweeter taste that can be accommodated too.

After all, life is about flexibility and variation, right?

WHAT IS ALMOND MILK

Almond milk is a plant-based milk. The milk that is extracted from the nut is called nut milk. When the nuts are first soaked, they swell up. This makes the milk flow easier. Soaking the nut for a longer period makes the milk creamier.

NUTRITION

One of the most notable points when comparing unsweetened almond milk to cow’s milk is the carbohydrates are vastly different. Cow’s milk contains a lot of sugar, about 13 grams in just one eight-ounce glass of whole milk. On the other hand, unsweetened almond milk contains only one gram per cup. This can be a game changer if you are mindful of your weight or blood sugar levels.

Almond milk has high levels of vitamin E, magnesium and manganese which are often missing from the standard American diet.

NECESSARY TOOLS

Having the right tools, makes for a quicker and more enjoyable experience.

In the beginning, I would use several layers of cheesecloth to strain the solids however I now find that using a nut milk bag is so much easier and environmentally friendly. Here, is the nut milk bag I use. It is made with 100 percent hemp and is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-mold and can be washed and reused.

A blender to whirl the previously soaked nuts and water in. I have always preferred using a glass blender because it will not absorb any odors or obtain scratches that could retain bacteria.

RECIPE

With just almonds and water you can make homemade almond milk. And, if you want a sweeter drink then feel free to add a little maple syrup or honey.

Whole raw almonds are added to a large bowl of purified water. How long you let them soak depends on how creamy you want your milk. The nuts should be soaked for a minimum of four hours but not more than two days.

After soaking, nuts are rinsed and added to the blender with fresh water. Then they are strained using a nut milk bag for best results.

Almond milk can be used just the same as cow’s milk so if your recipe calls for one cup of milk you will use one cup of almond milk. However, if an added richness is desired, I like to add a little heavy cream. I find that gives some recipes a real boost.

Give this healthy homemade almond milk a try in all your recipes and smoothies.

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