Simple Homemade Nut Milk

Nut milks are delicious and can be used on cereal, smoothies or even just to drink.  I make 2 kinds on a regular basis.  Why make it yourself you ask?  I make my own for a few reasons.  One I know what goes into it.  Mine has no artificial anything, no additives, no natural flavorings, no sulfites, etc.  Just plain goodness.  Second, and very important for the family on a budget, it costs a lot less.  Just a quart of almond milk in the store can be $3 or $4.  For a family like us with several teenagers that can add up very quickly.  I can make my own for a quarter of the price. 

You'll want to think ahead on this one a bit.  Nuts need to soak, preferably overnight.  With the exception of coconut which only needs about 30 minutes.  So let's get on with it and we'll talk about almond milk.  Raw almonds can be found in bulk in almost any grocery store.  You'll need 1 cup for every 3-4 cups of milk.  I usually make about a half gallon at a time.  (Remember 3 teenagers!!)

For 3 - 4 cups of finished milk you'll need:

1 cup of raw almonds
4 cups water

Yup that's it.  If you want sweetened vanilla flavor just add 1/8 C of raw honey or Stevia in the raw plus 1 - 2 tsp. of pure vanilla. 

Soak your almonds overnight (8-12 hours).  Be sure they're covered by at least an inch of water, which they will soak up.  After soaking drain off the excess water and place almonds in a blender or vitamix.  Add 4 cups water and blend on high speed for a minute or so.  It will be a little thick/chunky. 

If you use it for smoothies you can keep it just like it is.  If you want a smoother milk, then strain your milk through a cheesecloth.  (If you do this then you can put the almond mixture that you've got in the cheesecloth right in your smoothie or cookie dough or muffin mix).

If you want it thicker, more like a cream, only add 3 cups of water. 

If you want chocolate flavor add 1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 cup raw honey and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.

For coconut milk you'll want organic raw unsweetened coconut flakes. I buy mine from Tropical Traditions online. 

Take 1 cup of flakes and pour hot water over them in a bowl or glass measuring container.  Let soak for 30 minutes.  Pour the entire contents of the bowl into your blender and add 2 - 3 cups more water and blend like crazy.  Then do the same as the almond milk above if you want it smooth or chunky. 

These milks are absolutely delicious, good for you and so easy to make. 

A great way to have good nutrition and save money, too!