sweet vanilla almond milk (or plain)

After watching documentaries like Food, Inc., Supersize Me, and Forks over Knives, we wanted to significantly reduce our family's intake of meat and animal products.  A few months ago we starting making primarily vegetarian meals and slowly weaned the family from cow's milk moving to almond milk. I starting making plain almond milk with almonds and water only... but I've got two young kids and they were not having it. So I added some dates and vanilla and voila - they love it! This is so easy and cost effective. I just buy a  bunch of almonds from the bulk bin and make this anytime we run low. 

​INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight in cool water or 1-2 hours in hot water)
• 5 cups water 
• 1 pinch sea salt
• Optional: 2 whole dates (omit for unsweetened)
• Optional: 1 1/2 tsp homemade vanilla extract (omit for unflavored)

DIRECTIONS

1. Add the soaked almonds, water, salt, and any optional add-ins to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Keep it running for at least 1-2 minutes so you get the most out of your almonds.
2. Strain using a cheesecloth or a nut milk bag.
3. Discard pulp, or save for adding to baked goods.
4. Transfer milk to a jar or covered bottle and refrigerate. Will keep for up to 4-5 days,
5. Shake well before drinking, as it tends to separate.