A lot of people think that making homemade almond milk is a difficult process. However, this is not true because the recipe is easy to follow. All you need are a couple of ingredients and basic cooking equipment. This recipe can be used as a replacement for cow’s milk. Vegans and people who are lactose intolerant can use this milk alternative for cookies, cakes, cereal, tea, smoothies etc.
The Benefits of Homemade Almond Milk
There are many reasons why it’s a good idea to make your almond milk at home. It is healthier because it does not have any additives like the kind you get from the store. You can also personalize the recipe according to your own taste. For example, you can make your almond milk very sweet, bitter, or add different flavors. In addition, you save money because it is cheaper than buying almond milk from the store.
Almond Milk Recipe
Yield: Between 2-3 cups
Total preparation time: 6-12 hours depending on how long the almonds are soaked
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Soaking bowl
- Blender
- Cheesecloth
- Spoon
- Bowl for catching milk
- Container for milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of almonds
- 3 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Sugar, syrup, or some other sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the almonds in water overnight in a bowl. The almonds need to be completely covered with water. Do not soak for longer than 12 hours.
- Place the soaked almonds and 3 cups of water into a blender.
- Add vanilla and optional sweetener. Blend on the highest setting until smooth. This should take a few minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl. Use a spoon to get any remaining mixture from the blender. Squeeze as much milk as you can from the almonds. The almond pulp can be saved to make cookies and crackers.
- Place the milk into a container. This can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Tips:
- This will not taste like store bought almond milk since there are not any additives. It is highly recommended to add a sweetener to taste.
- To make creamier almond milk, add 1 teaspoon of walnut or almond oil.
- Try experimenting with different flavors when blending the vanilla, water, and almonds. Some options might include: 1 banana and nutmeg, ½ cup pureed strawberries, ¼ cup of carob powder or melted chocolate
- You can make thicker almond milk by adding less water. Keep in mind that this will produce less milk and it will be harder to strain.
- If you do not have a cheesecloth, a strainer can be used instead.
