This all-natural dairy alternative may actually be better than traditional cow’s milk. If you like chai or indian-style rice pudding, you will love it. Plus, it’s simple to prepare. If you are on a restricted diet and longing for a special treat, try this! It’s delightful in a hot latte – take it to the next level by sprinkling some garam masala on top!
A nut milk bag is an inexpensive and useful straining tool, though you can use cheesecloth instead. (Apparently using cheesecloth is a bit of a messy proposition!)
Ingredients
½ cup whole almonds, soaked in plenty of water for 4-24 hours
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
several grinds of black pepper
seeds from one green cardamom pod, or 1/8 t cardamom powder
1-2 whole dates, pits removed (organic medjool dates are recommended)
pinch of salt
Instructions
Drain and rinse the almonds. Put all ingredients in a blender and process on high power until very smooth. Pour mixture into a nut milk bag over a bowl. Wash hands, and gradually squeeze the milk out of the pulp left in the bag. (Some people dry the remaining pulp in the oven at a low temperature and use the resulting “almond meal” in muffins of other baked goods.)
This level of spice is aromatic, but mild enough to replace everyday almond milk – it won’t ruin your breakfast cereal! The fragrance of the cardamom especially adds a little magic to the milk.
© Eliza Rowley McEmrys, 2015
