I learned how to make almond milk because a few years ago I inexplicably became lactose intolerant! I am one of those people who enjoys the milk part of “cereal and milk” more than the cereal, so I was bummed when I couldn’t drink milk any more. Cookies and brownies weren’t the same after that, because without a tall glass of ice cold milk to go with them — what’s the point?
I first tried soy milk as a replacement but I just didn’t like it. But then I discovered almond milk! (I think my love of almonds is pretty well documented.) I quickly became a fan. But I have never been a fan of the price — it’s so expensive! And since I’m the only one who will drink it I always seem to end up wasting much of it.
Then I had one of those “lightbulb”moments when I came across a blog post on Cafe Zupas website (a great restaurant in Salt Lake City) titled “How To Milk An Almond”. I always have raw, whole almonds in the house (they are my go-to snack!) and I could have been making my own almond milk this whole time! Oh, I hate when I realize I’ve been missing out on saving money. Oh well — at least today I was able to rectify the situation. And what a DELICIOUS experience it was! So today I’m sharing this delicious discovery with you!
Almond Milk
- 1 cup whole raw almonds (not toasted or roasted, etc), enough water to cover
- 3 – 4 cups water, more if desired
- a pinch of salt
- honey, to taste
Soak the almonds overnight in a bowl with enough water to cover.
Drain and discard the soaking water.
Put the soaked almonds in the blender with 3 -4 cups of water.
Blend on high speed until smooth.
Looks beautiful, doesn’t it?
Lay a linen or cotton towel (not terry cloth) inside a bowl large enough to hold all the liquid.
Pour the milk into the towel, and squeeze out the excess liquid.
What’s left in the towel is called almond meal and is valuable, so don’t throw it away. :-) (More on that later.)
Taste the milk and if it’s a little too nutty for you, add a pinch of salt, and 1-2 teaspoons of honey. I added a little more honey because I like it a teeny, tiny bit on the sweeter side. You could even add some homemade chocolate syrup and make Chocolate Almond Milk!
Store your DIY almond milk in a glass jar or bottle. The liquid will separate between uses, so just be sure to shake it up before each use. Now go find something yummy to drink it with, or pour it on! Or better yet, when it’s nice and chilled enjoy a tall cold glass all by itself and savor the natural deliciousness homemade by YOU! :-)
Bonus: How To Prepare Almond Meal
Now, about that almond meal. I spread mine out on a cookie sheet and bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees. I then let it cool completely and put it in a Ziploc bag and throw it in the freezer for use at a later date. It’s delicious in a variety of recipes (gluten-free cookies, anyone?) and saves you a bundle compared to buying almond meal at the store.
More Ideas You'll Love
What’s your favorite dairy-free milk?
Just made this and it is SOOO flippin YUMMY! I'll never buy storebought again. It does smell "nutty." which the previous poster may be referring to, but I sweetened it with a bit of honey and it is DIVINE and so "Silky" smooth! DELISH! Thanks for the great play by play.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ok. Definitely doing this. I am so sick of paying $3.79/half-gallon of almond milk (sometimes more) for my lactose intolerant 2yo!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Instead of discarding the soak water, would it be useful in some kind of body product? What if you just splashed the water on your face for natural almond oil moisture? I don't know if it would work but it's and idea! Thanks for the recipe!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Who would have thought it's so simple to make?? Thank you! I can't wait to try it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just read an article today about raw milk. I have been doing some research on it. This lady claims her lactose intolerant husband can drink it. Here is a link, let me know what you think.
http://mylifeinapyramid.com/2012/03/my-raw-milk-conversion-why-how-i-decided-to-embrace-fresh-local-milk/
I've never 'followed' a blogger before… until now. I discovered your blog through Pinterest (imagine that) and, like a lot of people, I am hooked. I check in every day and can't wait to see what you have in store. Simple. Practical. Awesome. Thank you!! (Oh- and by the way, I love that you are 'transplanted' to Utah from Cali, looks as though you are "recovering" well). :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You are amazing!!!! Thanks for the info on almond milk. Will try it for Dad.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi there, I am so glad I found your blog. I love it. So informative and interesting. I was wondering how long this almond milk will last in the refrigerator please?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sandra nz
Amanda, from Missouri: Oh wow! I've never tried Almond milk, since one: it's too expensive to sample, and two: I'm iffy on trying new things. I am lactose intolerant, though not as much as I used to be. I completely eliminated dairy from my diet for two whole weeks, and then slowly added it back in a tad at a time (harder to do than you think) seems to have made the worse of my allergy to away, though not completely. Milk still bothers me from time to time, but not as much as it used too.
I definately have got to try this! My mom is also allergic to gluten, so the almond meal would come in super handy!! Love your blog! thanks so much!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I've also read about making rice milk pretty much the same way although I have never tried making it either. I've been so inspired to try so many of your cleaning products that I might just give the almond milk a shot.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.BOOKMARKED!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use almond milk daily, especially in my morning coffee – very tasty. I can't wait to try making your recipe!! I great plans for that "leftover" meal too. lol
A friend and I were just talking about Almond Milk last night and she said it was easy. I cannot wait to try your recipe!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.SQUEEEEEEAAAAL! I am so excited that this is possible. The husband and I have recently made the switch to almond milk and it is soooo expensive! Love love love your blog!
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