This inexpensive and easy to make almond milk can be made at home with simply fresh water and almonds using a long soak method.
Being a Produce Manager I am handling fresh fruit 40 plus hours a week so thinking about what I can make with it is always on my mind.
In an effort to be healthier I have been using Almond milk in said smoothies. I thought since I always have almonds on hand I would try making almond milk from scratch.
Try it once, you’ll never go back to store bought.
Almond Milk
- 1 cup of natural almonds
- water
- maple syrup (optional)
- Cover the almonds with water and let soak for 10 hours.
- After 10 hours strain and rinse.
- Place them in a blender with 3-4 cups of water and a squirt of maple syrup if using.
- Blend on high for 4 minutes. Let settle for a minute then blend again for 2 minutes.
- Pour into a cheesecloth lined colander that is placed over a bowl.
- After a few minutes gather up the cheese cloth and squeeze it well getting every last bit of the milk. Place the ground almonds in a bowl and set aside.
Cover the almonds with water and let soak for 10 hours.
After 10 hours strain and rinse.
Place them in a blender with 3-4 cups of water and a squirt of maple syrup.
Blend on high for 4 minutes. Let settle for a minute then blend again for 2 minutes.
Pour into a cheesecloth lined colander that is placed over a bowl.
After a few minutes gather up the cheese cloth and squeeze it well getting every last bit of the milk. Place the ground almonds in a bowl and set aside.
Pour the milk into a mason jar, cover and refrigerate.
Use anywhere you would use milk.
I have made 4 batches in the past week. The cool thing is you can control the thickness of the finished product.
For my first batch I used 3 glasses of water. After a night in the fridge, it was a thick luxurious cream, very much like a 35% cream. I poured some into a glass to drink, it was almost sinful.
The next batch I used the full 4 glasses of water. It was like regular milk. Both amazing! When you make some, I suggest trying it both ways.
I used maple syrup to sweeten it but you can have a few options here. I have read of honey or dates being used. Play with the ingredients until you find what you prefer to use.
Your almond milk should last 4 days.
Now back to the ground almond meal we set aside earlier. Not wanting to throw it out I am working on different ways to use it up.
I spread it out on a parchment lined cookie sheet and popped it into a 225-degree oven to dry. I kept it low and slow as to not burn it. Once dried I put it into the blender and ground it into a flour.
