Non-Dairy Products - Almond Milk

One of my favorite milk substitutes is almond milk. Not only is it tasty but very nutritious as well. Almond milk has been used for hundreds of years and is perfect, not only for vegans, but those who are lactose-intolerant or on a low cholesterol diet.

Almonds, the most nutritious of all nuts are low in carbs and high in fiber. They are cholesterol free and contain monounsaturated fatty acids, known as "good fat", which studies have shown actually reduce cholesterol if consumed on a regular basis. Almonds also contain vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids which are excellent for a healthy heart. On top of this, almonds are an excellent source of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, folic acid and calcium.

You can purchase almond milk products in plain, vanilla, or chocolate flavours. I personally prefer homemade, fresh, raw almond milk. The homemade version can be made with the help of a coffee grinder and blender or an almond milk maker. You can use either ground or whole almonds.

To make a basic almond milk, soak almonds overnight, skin and grind. To remove the skin, blanch them for a few of minutes, drain and rinse with cold water and the skins should be easy to remove. Then mix one part ground almonds to four parts water in a blender ( you can adjust this to personal taste). Sieve. Can be flavored with vanilla, sweetened with maple syrup or you can add fruit to the blender.

Use plain in veg curries, baking muffins and cakes or flavored over cereal and in drinks.

Enjoy!

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Recipe of the Day - Piña Colada Smoothie (Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy-Free)
Courtesy of Go Dairy Free

This non-alcoholic variation on a classic flavor is sure to be a hit with kids. For those who prefer their smoothies with a lighter, more natural sweetness, try utilizing unsweetened coconut and / or omitting the extra sugar.

1/3 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (such as Almond Breeze®)
¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon sugar
4 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Tags : almond milk diet health non-dairy vegan