Almond milk -- why all the fuss???

[greengirl]

I tried making almond milk several times and didn't care for it... until I got a Vitamix and a nut milk bag!! What a huge difference the proper equipment makes! Now having a pitcher of silky-sweet, homemade almond milk in the fridge is a staple! :p

[Lady Green Jeans]

greengirl,

The thought of nice fresh almond milk is so appealing, but mine just did not come out that way. Would you mind wallking through your procedure so I
(and hopefully others) can get it right.

Appreciate any info.

[Rawkinlocs]

Yes, I'm curious to know what you were doing before the Vita-Mix and nutmilk bag. I don't really care for almond milk either...wondering if having a Vita-Mix will make a difference (?) But I DO like almond-cashew milk or just straight cashew milk...YUM!

[greengirl]

When I made almond milk before the Vitamix and nut milk bag, the milk was "grainy" and just not very appealing. I think it's because the Vitamix can really grind up the almonds -- so the milk is very "almond-y" and straining it through the nut milk bag leaves you with silky-smooth milk! Mmmm.

Here's my procedure:
Blend 1 cup almonds (soaked over night) with 4 cups water in the Vitamix for about 2 minutes. Strain through the nut milk bag. Rise out the Vitamix container and lid and pour milk back into the Vitamix. Add 1/4 to 1/8 cup agave, 1 tablespoon lecithin (this is also a key in the smoothness, I think), pinch of sea salt and a few drops of almond extract. Blend again and enjoy!

[Rawkinlocs]

When I made almond milk before the Vitamix and nut milk bag, the milk was "grainy" and just not very appealing. I think it's because the Vitamix can really grind up the almonds -- so the milk is very "almond-y" and straining it through the nut milk bag leaves you with silky-smooth milk! Mmmm.

Here's my procedure:
Blend 1 cup almonds (soaked over night) with 4 cups water in the Vitamix for about 2 minutes. Strain through the nut milk bag. Rise out the Vitamix container and lid and pour milk back into the Vitamix. Add 1/4 to 1/8 cup agave, 1 tablespoon lecithin (this is also a key in the smoothness, I think), pinch of sea salt and a few drops of almond extract. Blend again and enjoy!

Ohhh...okay, so basically you were blending in a standard blender and not straining prior to the Vita-Mix? Well, I'm straining it and so it's not grainy, just don't care for the taste of almond milk. But thanks for sharing! I expect to get a Vita-Mix soon :D

[Lady Green Jeans]

Thank you for walking through the steps and for the recipe. Do you remove the skins from your almonds? It seems that is the only taste I get when I made it and just could not drink it. Have been making brazil nut beverage in the morning and really like that. Wondering if almonds just aren't my favorite.

Please let me know about the peels and I will try making it again using your recipe.

[Angelina]

I have yet to get a Vita Mixer, so my nut milks tend to be on the grainy side; I was wondering if anyone ever ground their almonds in a coffee grinder first to get a powder then mixed with water in the blender? I'm considering this, hopefully it will make it a bit smoother. :confused:

[greengirl]

I did strain before I got my Vitamix, but with a metal mesh strainer, not a nut milk bag. The nut milk bag works soooooo much better.

About the peels... I leave them on. The Vitamix really pulverizes the nuts! ;)

[SamuelWilson]

If you are using a standard blender, you will have to blend for at least 3 to 4 minutes to really get the almonds blended properly. Then you will need to strain through a nut milk bag from alissacohen.com or a "paint strainer bag" which can be picked up at Lowes or Home Depot in the paint section. They are made of nylon and are totally safe to use in food preperation.

[Revvell]

Then you will need to strain through a nut milk bag from alissacohen.com or a "paint strainer bag" which can be picked up at Lowes or Home Depot in the paint section. They are made of nylon and are totally safe to use in food preperation.

Actually, you wont "need" to unless you want absolutely no pulp. I'm not that fussy. I use approx. 1 C. soaked almonds to 3-4 Cups water. Blend in the Vita-Mix then strain through a fine strainer I got at an Asian market. That's it! Comes out wonderfully IMO and saves on strainer bags.

Revvell

[berrienoire]

...same for me (fine strainer). I don't use strainer bags either and I love how mine comes out too. And I use a blender. Have yet to get a vita-mix, would love to experience the difference ;)

[SamuelWilson]

Well, I buy my paint strainer at such low prices that I consider them a no cost item. This is one of those things, kind of like me throwing out coconuts after drinking the water. I do what works for me, it may not work for everyone.