Sure, almond milk has gained in popularity and is available in your local grocery store these days, but some of the added ingredients are questionable and not necessary. And have you ever tasted fresh homemade nut milk? Absolutely delish! And sooo easy to make…you just need one ingredient – and a few essential pieces of equipment. So, let’s get started!
Grab a cup of raw almonds (or cashews, or hemp seeds, or oats), your blender (preferably a high powered one like a Vitamix), a glass mason jar and a nut milk bag. What the #@*& is a nut milk bag you ask? No worries! If you can’t find one, use cheese cloth, or even the leg of a CLEAN nylon!
You might be asking yourself – why would I want to switch from cow’s milk to a plant based nut milk? Here’s what’s in it for you:
- Almond milk boasts more calcium than its dairy counterpart
- Contains fiber
- Free of cholesterol
- No saturated fat (contains mono-unsaturated fat, which cuts risk of heart disease)
- Most of us don’t digest dairy very well – even if we don’t realize it
- Cheaper than both organic dairy milk and store bought almond milk
- Low calorie content
Next, watch this quick video to learn just how simple it is to whip up a batch of nutritious, tasty almond milk:
Now what are you going to do with your fresh batch of milk?? Of course I have a few suggestions!
Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade almond milk
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- liquid stevia or coconut sugar to taste
Method:
- Place ingredients in a small saucepan and whisk over low heat until warm.
- Pour into mug of choice and enjoy!
Gail’s Favorite Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs or mini dark chocolate chips
Method:
Combine milk, seeds, vanilla and cinnamon in mason jar and let sit overnight (or at least 4 hours). When pudding is ready, sprinkle remaining ingredients on top and enjoy!
Strawberry Pineapple Kale Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1cup kale
- ½ cup pineapple
- 1 ½ cup strawberries
- 1 Tbsp raw honey
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Method:
Blend liquid and kale. Add remaining ingredients and blend again. Enjoy!
Chocolate Pudding
(adapted from http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Almond Milk, divided
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
- In separate bowl, combine 1 cup of almond milk and cornstarch. Mix until combined.
- In sauce pan, combine the almond milk/cornstarch mix with remaining milk, sugar, cacao and salt.
- Bring mixture to a boil, whisking occasionally. Once boiling, lower heat to slow rolling boil. Whisk consistently until mixture is thickened.
- Remove from heat, add chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until chips are melted.
- Pour the pudding into ramekins or a bowl. Let cool for a few minutes, then cover the top with plastic wrap or parchment paper, to keep skin from forming.
- Place pudding in fridge for at least 3 hours and enjoy.
Ready for more healthy empowerment? Grad my free snack guide here: http://bit.ly/1MxKXIZ
Or better yet, contact me today to schedule your complimentary health consultation.
The information in this article is for general purposes only and is not intended to treat cure or prevent any disease or medical conditions. Only you and your doctor can determine what course of action is best for you and your particular needs.