Nut Milk & Coconut Milk

While there are so many plant based milks easily found in the marketplace, if you’ve never made one from scratch you’re missing out! Most store bought brands have added sugar and fillers and taste nothing like the real thing. Plus, once you make them yourself, you will realize how quick and easy they are to make, delicious to taste and can be a special treat. I lead many cleanses where dairy is removed. I always recommend people give this a try. The brave ones that do always report back how surprisingly easy, delicious and satisfying it is.

All you need is a blender and a nut milk bag (sold at most health food stores) and you’re good to go!

Almond Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds, soaked in water

• 2 - 3 cups filtered water

• 2 - 3 pitted Medjool dates, to taste (optional)

• 1 whole vanilla bean or 1/2-1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)

• small pinch of fine grain sea salt, to enhance the flavor

Instructions:

1. Place almonds in a bowl and cover with water. It’s preferred to soak them overnight (for 8-12 hours) in the water, but you can get away with soaking for 1-2 hours in a pinch.

2. Rinse and drain the almonds and place into a blender along with filtered water, pitted dates, and chopped vanilla bean.

3. Blend at the highest speed for 1 minute or so.

4. Place a nut milk bag over a large bowl and slowly pour the almond milk mixture into the bag. Gently squeeze the bottom of the bag to release the milk.

5. Pour into a glass jar to store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. The milk separates when sitting so give it a good shake before using.

*Notes: You can also use another sweetener of your choice like raw honey. Same goes for nuts - you can use walnuts, cashews or brazil nuts (adjust soaking time depending on your nut choice). You can also use more or less water to nut ratio depending on how rich/watery you like your milk.

Coconut Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened organic shredded coconut

• 2 cups boiling water

• pinch of sea salt

• 1 or 2 pitted Medjool dates, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place ingredients in your blender and process for 2-3 minutes.

2. Follow the above directions for Almond Milk. Also take a look at the notes for adjustments.