These naturally flavored nut milks are a creamy treat that will nourish your body with plant-based goodness. Pre soaking the nuts “activates” them and removes the natural enzyme inhibitors, making them easier to digest, it also softens them so they can be blended easily. To get maximum health benefits from your nut milks use organic ingredients where possible.
Just a few reasons to love these nuts:
Hazelnuts are rich in copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin E, selenium, and fibre. They help to prevent premature aging and cell and tissue degradation, as well as helping to produce healthy red and white blood cells.
Cashew nuts contain magnesium, copper, iron, protein, and phosphorous. They have been proven to boost energy levels and help to build strong bones and teeth, they also improve the health of skin, hair and nails.
Macadamia nuts are loaded with magnesium, manganese, potassium, and thiamin. The good fats in macadamias help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, these guys also help to boost energy levels.
Here are some of my favorite combinations:
1. Hazelnut Cocoa Milk
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups hazelnut milk*
3 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Pinch of sea salt
Handful of ice
*To make the hazelnut milk: soak ½ cup raw hazelnuts for 4-6hrs, rinse well then blend with 1 ½ cups filtered water until well combined. Place a nut milk bag or muslin cloth over a pitcher and pour the blended mixture in, squeeze through all the milk you can until only the pulp is left (this can saved and used in baking or smoothies).
2. Strawberry Cashew Milk
Ingredients:
½ cup soaked raw cashew nuts (soak for 2-4hrs then rinse well)
1 ½ cups filtered water
3 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
Handful of ice (if using fresh strawberries)
3. Caramel Macadamia Milk
Ingredients:
½ cup raw macadamia nuts (these don’t require soaking)
1 ½ cups filtered water
4 medjool dates (pitted)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Handful of ice
Directions:
To prepare all milks: put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful not to over-blend or it will warm up; if this happens add more ice.
Recipes make enough for 2 people.
Feature Image via Kahu de Beer
4 comments
I can’t wait to try all three recipes!! Thank you for the inspiration!
– Corinne
http://www.goldandthyme.com
Oh my!!!!!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Deliciously inspiring! Can’t wait to try all three.
That caramel macademia mylk sounds to die for, I’ve never tried anything other than the classics
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com