How to Soak Almonds for Almond Milk

Almond milk is a tasty and healthy alternative to cow's milk, particularly for people with lactose intolerance. Almond milk can be blended with a banana, honey, and nutmeg for a low-calorie and cholesterol-free alternative to eggnog. According to Stephanie Gall, Registered Dietitian, almonds are one of the healthiest nuts humans can eat---rich in magnesium, potassium, manganese and copper, almonds also contain selenium, vitamin E and calcium. You can make your own almond milk at home; it's lactose, gluten and cholesterol free.

Things You'll Need

• Raw almonds
• Blender
• Jelly bag
• Large mixing bowl
• Quart canning jar with lid
• Honey or dates (optional)
• Whole vanilla bean (optional)

Instructions

1. Put 1 cup of almonds in a glass bowl or jar and cover them with water. Cover the top tightly and refrigerate it overnight to soak the almonds.

2. Drain the almonds. Rinse them till the water runs clear. Put the drained almonds in a blender.

3. Add water till the almonds are just covered. Top it with a lid and blend till it is very smooth, adding a bit more water if necessary.

4. Wring out the jelly bag in cold water. Put the jelly bag over a mixing bowl. Pour the blended almond mixture into the jelly bag.

5. Let the almond milk drip into the bowl. Squeeze the bag very gently to remove all the liquid.

6. Transfer the almond milk to a canning jar or other clean glass container with a secure lid. Stir in a spoonful of honey if you prefer the almond milk sweetened, or add a couple large soft dates or a whole vanilla bean for sweetening and flavor.

7. Keep the jar sealed tightly in the refrigerator; it will keep for 4 or 5 days. Shake the jar well before drinking; blend almond milk with a banana, honey and nutmeg for a low-calorie and cholesterol-free alternative to eggnog.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the drained almond pulp in cookie or cake recipes.

• A quick alternative is to blend 1 tbsp. almond butter with 1 cup of water.

• Almond milk can be mixed with rice milk for a nutritious alternative to cow's milk.

• Do not use bitter almonds.

• An allergic reaction to nuts can progress rapidly to anaphylaxis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

References

• Stephanie Gall's Guide to Non-Dairy Milks
• Cleveland Clinic

Resources

• Guide to Non-Dairy Milks