The more I live, the more I appreciate healthy and simple recipes that I can make at home with ease. I have also been learning how beneficial it is to make more of our own food at home, especially the more I study Ayurveda (an ancient and holistic science of health and wellbeing), mainly because homemade foods are richer in nutrients and prana, or life force. When I share recipes here, they are always in the service of making the things we enjoy accessible and easier to make ourselves. Simplicity and quality are such a good pairing. : )

One such food item I use often and also love to make is almond milk. It is incredibly clean, fresh, and nourishing when homemade, and it takes minimal ingredients and minimal effort to create. It’s deliciously creamy, and it’s very easy to customize to your liking. Here are the details:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of raw, organic almonds
• 2-3 cups of water
• 2 dried dates
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• (optional) ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
• (optional) ½ cup of berries (berry milk)
• (optional) 2 tablespoons of cacao (chocolate milk)

PROCESS

1. Soak the almonds in water overnight.
2. Drain the soaked almonds, and put them into a high-speed blender.
3. Add the 2-3 cups of water (less for thicker milk, more for thinner).
4. Add dates, vanilla, and salt, along with any choice of optional additions.
5. Blend everything together for about a minute or two, until smooth and creamy.
6. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or a very thin dish towel, capturing all of the almond matter and squeezing the milk through it into a bowl.
7. Transfer the milk into a large glass jar or jug and keep it refrigerated, where it will keep for 4-5 days. Shake well before serving, as it tends to separate.

SUGGESTED USES

• Milk over your morning granola
• Creamer for your tea or coffee
• Milk substitute for baking
• Milk base for hot cocoa or chai
• Dip and drink with cookies!

This is a great recipe year-round, and it’s particularly nourishing (especially when warmed up for a cozy warm drink) in the fall and winter, during Vata season, when we all need a bit more warmth, grounding, and nourishment.

Enjoy, my friends, 

XX 

 

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