Homemade Almond Milk

I've been making homemade almond milk using this recipe.  It is actually quite easy, and quite cost effective when you have thirsty little girls like I do!  

(The only thing I did not have on hand was a milk bag, which I purchased on Amazon.)  

Almond Milk

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 3.5 cups water (plus more for soaking)
• pinch sea salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla, optional

Place almonds in a bowl. Cover with enough cold water that the almonds are completely submerged. Set aside and let soak overnight (or at least 8 hours).

Drain and rinse the almonds, place in your blender along with 3.5 cups fresh water. Cover and process on the highest setting for one minute. Pour the mixture through a milkbag.  Using your hands, squeeze out as much liquid from the almonds as possible. Discard or save the almonds for another use.  Whisk in sea salt along with desired flavourings. Pour into a storage container and refrigerate (let sit for a couple hours before using for best flavour) . Stir or shake before use. This should stay good for up to 5 days.

Makes: 3.5 cups

Maple Walnut Cookies

I recently made these cookies and they were such a hit, I made them twice in a row!  They use only a handful of ingredients and the recipe is simple and quick to whip up!  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 c. walnuts, ground in food processor

• 2/3 c. whole wheat pastry flour

• 1 tsp. salt
1/3 cup ground flaxseed

• 1/3 c. carob chips*

• 1/2 c. maple syrup

• 2 tsp. vanilla

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.
2. In a small bowl add all the ingredients in the given order. Mix well.
3. Drop spoonful of dough on a slightly oiled cookie sheet and flatten them with a fork.
4. Bake for ten to fifteen minutes or until golden brown, checking often to prevent burning.
5. Let cool before removing from the cookie sheet. Makes one dozen.

*Instead of carob chips, you may substitute vegan chocolate chips, chopped dates or dried cherries; however, the walnuts must stay, as they are one of the best vegetarian sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for optimum brain function.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.

Baking time: 15 minutes.

Yield: 12 cookies.