Make your own Almond Milk

Almond Milk

I tried something adventurous last week.  I actually didn't even know it was possible (sometimes, if something is daunting or I have no clue how it's done, I just think it's not possible...lol)  Well, I was thinking about almond milk and how it's made--I had no clue.  I am a pinterest fiend, like I am sure a lot of people are, and I found a lovely recipe for making my own almond milk, which is a lot simpler and fun than you might expect!

You can't be afraid of getting messy though, which I am usually, but I was so pleased with the results I'm not put off by the clean up afterward :)  And sadly, it isn't something you can make straightaway, since you need to allow for the almonds to soak for 1-2 days (the longer you allow them to soak, the creamier your milk will be).

Just make sure the almonds you get are raw and haven't been roasted or salted or anything like that.  Also, make sure you only make what you can consume in 2 days, there are obviously no preservatives in this milk so it won't keep longer than that.  

Also, you'll be left with some lovely almond meal that you can use for making something else (I used mine in some chocolate nut bark which was YUMMY!).

Almond Milk

Equipment:

Blender or food processor
Fine-mesh nut bag or cheese cloth

1 cup raw almonds
2 cups water

**Optional, after soaking, you can blend a few dates with the almonds for sweetness, or even scrape a vanilla pod or cacao into them.

Method:

1)  Put the almonds into a container and cover them with the water.  Keep in mind they will plump up while soaking so allow for room.  I then put a lid on the container and let them sit for 1-2 days.

2)  After they have soaked, put the almonds along with the soaking water into a blender or food processor.  (The first time I made this I peeled all the skins off, but the second time I didn't because I was lazy and the milk was just as beautiful the second time as the first!  So I won't bother peeling them again, way too fiddly for me.. lol)

3)Add the dates or whatever you've decided to add at this stage, you don't have to add anything and it will still be nice.

4) Blend at medium speed until all the almonds are ground well and the mix looks creamy.

5)  Messy part!  You need to slowly pour the almond mixture into a big bowl over the cheesecloth to strain the bits of almond out.  The first time I did this it was more difficult but you'll get the hang of it.

6)  The almond meal you have in the cheesecloth can be spread on a baking sheet and roasted for 8-10 min, sealed in a bag, and frozen for use in a future recipe.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I did!  

Original Recipe found at:  http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-almond-milk-at-home-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-189996

Tasty Maple Walnut Cookies!

Tasty Maple Walnut Cookies

Hello again!  (Bethany here:))  So much time has passed since I last posted a recipe--so sorry about that!  No excuses though, I'm back and making yummy vegan dishes again and I couldn't be more excited.

SO, my good friend Tina told me about a cooking class she'd heard they were having at the local community centre and wanted to know if I'd come along.  I didn't know if I'd be interested, I must confess, I've become so lazy when it comes to cooking anything, but really I'm so glad she invited me.  It was a VEGAN cooking demonstration/class!!  And there were samples passed out for everyone!!  They were so knowledgeable and eager to share what they know and love about living and eating as a vegan.  I came away from it the first night feeling invigorated, determined, and hopeful about my health and that of my family.  They focused on the brain during these sessions, so most of the recipes we learned featured ingredients that promote mental health.   

I've made a few things but, first things first, I want to share the cookies.  I love these so much, I wish I had made more.  My little girls and my husband love them too :)

Thank you to Dominic, Nadine, Stella, and the rest of you that presented these yummy dishes at the Wentworthville Community Centre!  (Elim Health Centre -- The Vegetarian Way)

Tasty Maple Walnut Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups walnuts, ground

2/3 cups wholemeal flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup flaxseed (linseed) meal

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 cup almond milk (I found my batter to be a bit dry so I added this, you might not need as much or you might want a little more)

***The original recipe called for 1/3 cup carob chips or a bit of cacao, but I had none on hand.  I bet you could play around with this recipe easily to customize and make these cookies some of your favorites!

1)  In a bowl add all the ingredients in the given order and mix well.

2)  Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. (350 degrees F)

3)  Drop dough on wax paper covered cookie sheet with a spoon and flatten with a fork.

4)  Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden, check often to prevent from burning.

And there you have it, some delicious and healthy cookies :)  I hope you give them a try!