As we ease into a new year, the top of my mind is full of clean, wholesome foods for my body. I’ve decided to make as many homemade pantry and larder items as possible. I always keep fresh coconut milk on deck. My new staple is cashew milk.
Easy and it tastes better
More and more supermarkets are stocking nut milk on the shelves, but I think home versions just taste better.
Start with the right cashews
Let’s talk about nut purchasing. You need raw cashews, not roasted or salted. I find it easier to buy in small health food grocers. Nuts tend to be less expensive there, and you can get them from bulk bins, which makes them even more affordable.
Soak well
Remember to soak! I learned this the hard way. Soak the nuts overnight (if possible) or a minimum of two hours. The soak yields a cleaner texture. If you can, use filtered water.
Strain and add fresh water
Add 2 cups of raw cashews (discard soaking water). Pour in 5 cups of fresh filtered water. Blend until super-smooth and frothy.
Blend away
Watch the magic!
Use a double strainer
No need to use nut bags for cashew milk. All you need is an essential kitchen gadget — the double strainer.
Or use cheesecloth
If you don’t have a double strainer, line a regular strainer with cheesecloth.
Straining
Carefully strain the milk into a large bowl.
Press to get every last drop
Gently press the nut pulp to release the milk. Feel free to scoop the pulp into a small container, and later, you can spread that pulp on toast with cinnamon sprinkled on top. If you use a high-powered blender, like Vitamix, you’ll likely have zero pulp. Remember, less soaking time produces more pulp too.
Transfer it into a jar
Use a funnel to transfer the milk into your jar. I recommend a wide-mouth Ball jar, but I used recycled glassware here.
Any glass jar will do
Go with the flow!
You may want to double the recipe
How much cashew milk do you need to make? Once you figure out your daily use, doubling the recipe might make sense. This nut milk lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Add sweetener
If you like your cashew milk sweetened, you can add it at this point. Start with 1/2 a teaspoon of sugar, plus a little vanilla extract. Give it a shake!
Date and refrigerate
Fresh cashew milk should be kept in the fridge. I recommend labeling your fresh bottle with the date so you know when it’s expired.
Recipes for cashew milk
How does one introduce your over-60-year-old lactose-intolerant aunt to nut milk? I did it with a smoothie. Here are some ways to incorporate the protein-rich product into your diet.
Cashew butterscotch pudding pie
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