Use Almond Milk
Almond milk is made from combining ground almonds with water, and then straining it. The result is a slightly sweet, milky liquid. Almond milk has been used since the Middle Ages where it was used as a beverage in place of cow's milk, which would quickly spoil. Today almond milk has become a popular choice for vegans, as it is a milk substitute that does not contain any animal products. It is also a good choice for those who are lactose intolerant, as almond milk contains no lactose. Commercially made almond milk comes in several flavors including plain, vanilla and chocolate. It also often is fortified with additional vitamins. Almond milk can be used in a variety of ways; here's how to use almond milk.
Contents
Steps
Drinks with almond milk
- Drink almond milk. Almond milk can be drunk in the same way as milk. It can usually be found in 3 flavors: plain, vanilla and chocolate. The plain variety can be sweetened or unsweetened. Manufacturers recommend shaking the container of almond milk prior to drinking it as there may be some settlement at the bottom. Almond milk, in any flavor, can also be added to coffee or tea, just like normal milk or cream.
- Use almond milk in smoothies. Almond milk can be used in smoothies instead of traditional dairy products. Simply combine fruit (frozen is best) and the almond milk in a blender and pulse it until it is combined. You can adjust the amount of almond milk to make your smoothie more or less thick.
- Make Indian style kesar-badaam using almond milk:
- Pour 2 cups of chilled almond (badaam) milk in a blender.
- Add 1-2 de-seeded dates (to your taste; the dates can be replaced with honey, if preferred).
- Add 2 drops of vanilla essence (extract).
- Add a dessert spoon of fresh cream (optional).
- Blend all ingredients for few seconds. Pour the drink into a glass.
- Add a pinch of saffron (kesar) on top (just a very very little because it's a very strong flavoring agent), to give it a delicious flavor.
- Note: It is better to blend the dates alone first and then add the other ingredients, as dates may not crush up well when blended along with the milk.
Eating with almond milk
- Use almond milk in your cereal. Almond milk can be used instead of dairy or soy milk in your morning cereal. Hot or cold cereal makes no difference; almond milk lends a subtle sweetness and creaminess to cereals.
Cooking with almond milk
- Cook with almond milk. Almond milk can be substituted for cow's milk in any recipe. Use the same measurement of almond milk as regular milk in the recipe. You can bake with it, add it to soups and make sauces from it; almond milk can do almost everything that regular milk can do.
Using almond milk as a supplement
- Combine almond milk with protein powder. Compared to cow's milk, almond milk is low in protein. Most varieties have about 1g of protein per 1 cup (8 oz) serving. Two percent cow's milk, however, has around 8g of protein for the same size serving. Almond milk mixes well with protein powders, making it a good choice for those who want to increase their protein intake without drinking cow's milk.
- Consume almond milk for its nutritional or dietary value. Almond milk has no saturated fat, and has roughly half the fat of 2 percent milk. There is no cholesterol in it and it is naturally high in calcium. Almond milk has 15 percent more of your daily calcium requirements compared to 1 percent milk. Homemade almond milk is an acceptable milk substitute for those who are following raw food diets.
Tips
- Almond milk is best consumed within 7 to 10 days after opening. Like all dairy products, don't drink the almond milk if it is past its expiration date.
Warnings
- Like all nuts and nut products, almond milk should not be fed to infants under 1 year of age and should not be used in lieu of cow's milk unless your doctor recommends it.
