~Autumn Evelyn: Almond Milk! Liquid Gold…

Per your Master Grocery List, I recommended you purchase soy milk, which is quick and convenient, plus it’s only 1.25 per 32 ounce box! I have also found that Almond milk at Fred Meyer works out to 1.25 per 32 ounces, in the refrigerated section...so we like to pick up a couple jugs of the chocolate kind for coffee and for the girls so that they have another source of nutrients, variety means more health benefits!

You also have the option of purchasing from Amazon.com, for a slightly higher price, but you won't have to pay for gas...You will have to do the math on that one! There is also a three-nut blend that is even less per box, but still a bit more than our 1.25, however it is the cheapest online version, and I know new members (And I'm pretty sure AmazonMoms) get free shipping! Subscribing for routine deliveries will also save you money per box. OR you can snag that little Nut Milk Bag for making your own, as I'm about to show you, however I do just use a kitchen towel!

I have not been able to find non-dairy milk cheaper than this, if you have, please enlighten me!!! However, I have found a cheat to making your own Almond Milk! You must purchase the raw, unsalted, unroasted kind, which is not the highlighted one from Costco on your Food Chart, but rather the Winco bulk version for about $3.80 per pound.

If you purchase one pound, you will be able to make THREE 32 ounce jars of Almond Milk, bringing the price to $1.25 per 32 ounces. I know, that sounds like the same price as just buying it in the store! BUT WAIT! At the end of the process you will also have gorgeous Almond MEAL that is very expensive to purchase in store, but you will just have as a byproduct of your valiant efforts! The almond meal can then be tastefully added to your granola, instead of buying another nut for that, which will save you at least $2 if you only intended to put peanuts in there, more if you intended on almonds or cashews!

Now, to start this wonderful process!

“Cook” Time: 8 hours
Prep Time: 3 minutes

Makes 32 ounces

For this recipe you will need a blender or food processor and:

1 cup Almonds (equivalent to ⅓ pound)
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 Tablespoons Agave (or Honey if you are not a strict Vegan)
4 cups water, plus more for soaking

First step is to soak your almonds overnight, for at least 8 hours. When they are finished soaking, discard the soaking water. Soaking helps the awesome enzymes in the almonds awaken and provide added health benefits to you! Otherwise the nutrients aren’t readily absorbed by your body, curse of the tannin inhibitor, but we will unlock the nutrients, namely Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for our bodies to enjoy!

Now toss those lovelies into your blender! The Ninja version is a knockout for nuts! Add your water, agave, and vanilla, then puree on high for 1 minute.

Transfer your almond soup into a cloth lined bowl. I use a clean dishcloth, any finely woven fabric or cheesecloth will do! Use the cloth to strain the almond sediments out of the milk, squeeze every succulent drop out!

You are left with golden delicious almond meal, which should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge until you are ready to use it, if you are not making granola right away.

Same goes for your ready to drink Almond Milk! It will store for 7 to 10 days, but remember to shake slightly before pouring, as it continually separates.