Almond Milk
Almond milk was a very common ingredient in Medieval cooking where it was referred to as amygdalate. Today almond milk is again rapidly gaining popularity as a nutritious beveridge.
Often regarded as more delicious than other milk substitutes, such as soy or rice milk, it is especially suitable for vegetarians and for those who suffer from lactose intolerance. Almond milk contains no cholesterol and is often used as a substitute for animal milk for cooking purposes.
Almond milk can be prepared as either a hot or cold drink.
Preparation of Almond Milk
If you wish to make a large quantity of almond milk and use it over a period of time, it is probably best to buy almonds in bulk, roast them and prepare almond powder for use as required. See the recipe for almond powder below.
There are a number of variations for the preparation of almond milk. Almonds can be presoaked and activated overnight, they can be toasted to produce a stronger flavour, or they can be used raw (with or without skins). Inclusion of skins makes for a slightly gritty texture.
For a creamy mixture use 2 cups of water to 1 cup of of almonds. Adjust water volume to achieve required consistency.
- Blend 1 cup of almonds with 2 cups of water at high speed.
- Add any flavourings you wish, eg. a pinch of sea salt, cardomoms, saffron, cinnamon or sweeten with vanilla, sugar, honey, golden syrup, dates, etc.
- Blend again at high speed.
- Separate the pulp from the milk by by straining through cheesecloth or fine strainer. You will need to squeeze the pulp a little to extract the remainder of the milk.
The almond pulp can be used in cooking but must be kept refrigerated and used the same or following day.
More Almond Milk Recipes
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Make your own Almond Powder
Ingredients
Almonds (with or without skins), and depending on taste, you may include salt, sugar, cardomoms, cinnamon, saffron, etc.
Probably wise to experiment with a small mixture first.
Procedure
- Roast almonds lightly (they burn easily). This removes moisture creating a finer powder when ground.
- Add ingredients.
- Grind to a fine powder.
- Store in an airtight container and use as needed.
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Almond Milk Recipes
Additional References
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