How to make almond milk

It’s true: You can buy almond milk in cartons at the grocery store. But making your own almond milk is easy, fun, and, best yet, it tastes ultra-fresh — because it is. We found this awesome homemade almond milk recipe in The Naked Foods Cookbook. Enjoy!

Almond Milk

Recipe from The Naked Foods Cookbook: The Whole-Foods, Healthy Fats, Gluten-Free Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great by Margaret Floyd and James Berry. Reprinted with permission by New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Makes 2-1/2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw almonds, soaked for at least 8 hours
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 pitted dates

Directions:

1. Using a dishtowel, squeeze each soaked almond to remove the skin.
2. Combine the peeled almonds with vanilla, dates, and 3 cups filted water in a high-powered blender. Puree until smooth.
3. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and strain the almond milk to get rid of any bits.
4. Store in the refrigerator in a glass jar and use as you would milk.
5. You can use the leftover almond bits in a smoothie or in cookies.