What do you use nut milks with?

[raweater]

In my attempt to decide if I should get a nut milk maker, I'd like to know what you use nut milks for?

I very rarely make them by hand now because it's such a nightmare, the milk I make most often is coconut milk to make ice cream with.

What are other possible uses for nut milks other than the obvious drinking it straight and using it with raw cereal?

Thanks

[subbacultcha]

What do you find such a pain about making nut milks by hand?

They are great for adding to smoothies and shakes, as well as making desserts richer, and in creamy sauces in savory dishes.

[raweater]

I used to use a nut milk bag which wasn't too bad but still a pain to squeze all that milk out. I eventually ripped it and had to start using cheese cloth. For some reason with cheese cloth the milk sprays out in every direction, the ceiling, the sides, me, etc., making it a real nightmare and a mess in the entire kitchen. I don't want to buy another nut milk bag because at the rate I go through them (and their $10 cost) I will have exceeded the cost of the machine in no time.

Also, I then have to clean the blende which isn't too bad, but cleaning the nut milk bag was a real pain also, it's nearly impossible to get clean no matter how much you try.

Then there's the cheesecloth, which on top of spraying milk in every possible direction, cost quite a bit (maybe $0.50 per nut milk made, when they are thrown out adds up very fast and also would exceed the cost of the machine).

I just absolutely hate making nut milks, I HATE IT. I've been sprayed with milk in the face, clothes, walls, etc. enough times to be fed up with it.

Alright I'm really starting to want that machine, I think writting this reply made me decide! I just let out all the rage of making nut milks by hand!

I'm probably 75% sure I want it now, I'll probably almost certainly eventually get it if I don't get it now, but it's sold at the same place as the juicer I definately want and could save on shipping by ordering both togheter.

Thanks

[subbacultcha]

Sorry to hear you've had so much trouble!

I don't have any special equipment, I just bought a massive pack of j-cloths from costco. I fold them double to create a fine mesh and lay them in a sieve, then pour the milk in bit by bit, scooping the pulp out every so often. Then I just chuck the j-cloth or rinse it and stick it in the washing machine! Works fine for me.

[rawgreenyogini]

I've learned to just put less liquid in the nut milk bag before squeezing and use a LARGE bowl. I don't find it such of a pain.... if I want milk it's gotta be done. And I like playing with my food!!! LOL! :p

[Stina]

I just put my pulverized nut water through a fine-meshed sieve without any lining and it comes out great. I let it drip for awhile then use a spatula to press more liquid through; I'm pleased with the results. I don't use the milk enough to invest more equipment. I really like making raw cereal with either cut-up apple and raisins and walnuts or I sprout buckwheat and dehydrate it for a crispy cereal. However, I feel your angst.......;)

[raweater]

Well as I said in another thread, I think my question of getting a nut milk maker is over. And my decision is now to NOT get one, why? Because the omega 8005 juicer I also want apparently also is a nut milk maker, not surprisingly as it's basically the same function as making juice (seperating the pulp from the liquid).

[Revvell]

Jeeez. I just keep it simple. Make it in my VM, run it through a large strainer. Done.
What do I use it for? Oven cleaner, floor wax... oh, o.k. I don't use it for nuffin'.

Milk and cookies. That's it!

[Rubyred]

I use nut milks in smoothies - green and fruit smoothies. I've used almond milk to make corn chowder, chocolate mousse, ice cream and sauces. It's worth the trouble.

My first attempts at making nut milks were a pain, but I find it pretty simple right now. Maybe I just have good milk bags? I've read that other people said they bought these nylon bags for filtering paint from Home Depot that were really cheap and worked well. I've haven't seen or used them but so long as it's nylon what does it matter?

[GlimR]

I've looked at the nut mylk maker but I have so many small appliances already and a small kitchen and why have multiple items that do the same job...so....I make nut mylk every two or three days. This may be a moot point since raweater has already made a desicion but for anyone else who hasn't, here's what I do and it is super easy...no hassles at all.

1. I use the paint strainer bags from home depot, gallon sized, 2/$1.99. Each one lasts about 10 times or so, maybe more before I toss it.

2. 4 cups water to 1-1 1/2 cups soaked/rinsed almonds.

3. Blend in VM for a minute or so.

4. I open the nut mylk bag over a 3 qt. pot, the elastic holds it open. Put the pot in the sink.

5. Pour the mylk in and let it sit for 5 minutes, this really makes it easier to press thru the bag.

6. In the VM put dates, honey, agave if you sweeten your mylk, I do. Vanilla, a dash of sea salt.

7. Take the elastic off the sides of the pot and twist closed, press and squeeze the mylk thru the bag until the pulp is dry, takes about 3 minutes. I actually like this part...makes my hands very soft.

8. Add the mylk back to the VM, blend on low for a few seconds.

9. Decant the mylk into a bottle and store in fridge for three days.

10. The bag rinses very clean and easily under running water. Turn inside out and rinse again. Wring it out and drap over the dish rack to dry.

Voila!! The whole process takes 10 minutes~

btw~
I use nut mylks plain to drink, make super coffee with it, ice cream, smoothies, etc...one of the best staples I use raw~

[jacsam]

Sorry to hear you've had so much trouble!

I don't have any special equipment, I just bought a massive pack of j-cloths from costco. I fold them double to create a fine mesh and lay them in a sieve, then pour the milk in bit by bit, scooping the pulp out every so often. Then I just chuck the j-cloth or rinse it and stick it in the washing machine! Works fine for me.
What is a j cloth....what your describing sounds great.

[Rubyred]

l.

1. I use the paint strainer bags from home depot, gallon sized, 2/$1.99. Each one lasts about 10 times or so, maybe more before I toss it.

2. 4 cups water to 1-1 1/2 cups soaked/rinsed almonds.

3. Blend in VM for a minute or so.

10. The bag rinses very clean and easily under running water. Turn inside out and rinse again. Wring it out and drap over the dish rack to dry.

Voila!! The whole process takes 10 minutes~

btw~
I use nut mylks plain to drink, make super coffee with it, ice cream, smoothies, etc...one of the best staples I use raw~


That's what I was looking for - paint strainer bags. They would sell the same thing somewhere else for $15, and call them nut mylk bags.

You make your mylks pretty much the same way I do. Although, I have a Blendtec blender and I blend it for two 45 second blends. It's at such a high speed that the mylk can heat up. So I found if I use ice water the temp stays cool. By the time it's done blending the nuts are pretty well ground up and I have no problems straining the milk; the nut pulp is almost like a flour - the mylk, rich and creamy.

For those who have trouble with straining - it possible that the nuts are not being ground up enough? That would make it harder to clean the bag too. Mine rinse out pretty easily.

[NoGMO!]

I use a bigger, wide mouthed glass pitcher and put the bag inside and twist it so it can't spray anywhere, also, if you're inclined to stitch up a few bags, you can sew them from fine meshy natural fabrics w/ draw strings for pennies. just an idea.

[subbacultcha]

What is a j cloth....what your describing sounds great.
They're blue cloths, meant for wiping kitchen surfaces and stuff. Can't think how else to describe them. You can get them in any supermarket in the household section.