almond milk

I've had some almonds stored for a while that are not the best eating.  Sometime ago I came across an article about 'almond milk' so decided I would make some.   Its very easy.

Step 1:  Soak one cup of raw almonds in water overnight.  Leave extra water to allow for swelling.

Step 2:  Remove almonds from water.  For a less gritty texture, remove skins.  Toast for a richer flavour.

Step 3:  Place almonds in a blender with two cups of water.   Blend until creamy.

Step 4"  You can add flavouring such as cinnamon, honey or saffron, then blend again.

Step 5:  Strain mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to separate pulp.  Drink.  For a creamier version, leave covered in the fridge overnight.  It will keep for up to a week.

Step 7:  Dry-roast remaining pulp and store in a jar to use as almond flour.  Alternatively, place discarded almond skins and pulp in cheesecloth to use as a body scrub.

In my exuberance and total lack of thought, I decided to two cups of almonds and then decided to peel them - bad idea!!!  Next time I WON'T PEEL, it two ages and my thumbs were sore for days!

I didn't get around to using the pulp.  I kept it in the fridge for a while, trying to find out if it could somehow be incorporated into a soap recipe.  In the end it got thrown out.  Next time!

It has a very distinctive flavour - it tastes like almonds??? - ah, that's it.  DH took one sip and screwed up his face, in front of the kids, so do you think they would drink - NO WAY!  Gee, thanks darl.

From the article :

*Almonds are rich in nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, iron, phosphorus, trytophan and calcium.  Almond milk also contains flavonoids, which help to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and protect the heart.

*US researchers found the powerful antioxidants in almonds help inhibit the growth of free radicals and support a strong immune system.  The UK Institute of Food Research found finely ground almonds contain potential prebiotic properties that could help boost digestive health by increasing the levels of certain beneficial bacteria in the stomach.

*Almond milk has no cholesterol and is often recommended to lower blood-sugar levels and to treat constipation.

I will make again, in a smaller amount because I ended up the only one to drink it.

Have a lovely day :)