Starting the anti-inflammatory diet I have been mostly just drinking water, but occasionally almond milk or coconut milk. I don’t really like the texture of most of them, and they generally have added sugar and flavor, so when one of my friends mentioned that she makes her own almond milk I was intrigued. I had never thought about making my own, but turns out it is ridiculously easy. And the taste and texture are way better than anything store bought I have had. Generally soak some nuts, drain and rinse, blend them with a 2:1 ratio of water to nuts (ex 1 cup nuts gets 2 cups water) then strain.
Ingredients:
- Nuts of choice (I use a mix of pretty much everything, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, hazelnuts)
- Water
- Dates (if desired)
- Salt (if desired)
In a glass container with a wide mouth or a large (at least 2 cup) measuring cup, put a generous 1/2 cup each of almonds, walnuts and cashews, and about 1/4 cup hazelnuts. I have tried hazelnuts but themselves (good for creamer, but didn’t like it for regular drinking) and almonds by themselves which were pretty good but not my favorite. I think the walnuts and cashews balance out the flavor nicely. I also just did a version with 1/2 cup each of almonds and cashews then scant 1/4 cup each of hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, my favorite so far.
Cover with water – filtered water gives the cleanest flavor – and cover to let the nuts soak. I usually soak overnight, but a couple hours is good enough. If you are doing an overnight soak, put it in the refrigerator.
Once the nuts are done soaking, drain and rinse then put in the blender with water, 1/2 tsp salt and 2-4 dates. I use 4 cups water for the approximately 2 cups of nuts. Use less water for a thicker more rich milk (like 1:1 or even a little less for creamer). Depending on the size of the blender you may need to do it in 2 batches, as it works best if blender isn’t a whole lot more than half full. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed, then strain. You can get mesh nut milk bags, or a tight-knit towel or t-shirt works well too.
Adding a little cinnamon can spice it up if you like, or just drink plain, use in recipes, cereal, etc!
My Colorful Cuisine 