I remember the day I quit drinking cow's milk like it was yesterday. I was 5 years old, in kindergarten, and still getting the hang of the school lunch line. I had picked up a carton of chocolate milk to go along with my meal and headed to my seat to eat. After a little work, I finally managed to get the carton open and took a big swig. Instantly something did not seem right. Instead of the milk being smooth as you would expect, my mouth was filled with little "strings" and I barely managed to get it down my throat. As it turns out, the milk had spoiled and that was all it took for me to not only write off cow's milk, but also school lunches altogether! Bless my mom's sweet heart for packing my lunch everyday, for the next 12 years. :-)
Since I do not use animal's milk, I alternate between non-dairy milks for all of my smoothie and cooking needs. There are so many options for non-dairy milk today, and that makes things really easy for those of us that can't or choose not to consume dairy. The problem with store bought milk, however, is that they have additives, emulsifiers, and preservatives, and can contain unnecessary sugar. While I do often buy my almond or coconut milk (always unsweetened), it is nice to be able to make your own, so you know exactly what is going in it.
I had a ton of hemp seeds that needed to be used, so I decided to make a batch of hemp milk. Hemp milk is especially easy because there is no pre-soaking required. I love that you are in full control of how you would like to flavor your milk when you make your own. The options are endless. Here are two ways that I like to make my hemp milk.
Hemp Milk
(Makes 3-4 cups)
Plain/unsweetened:
I usually only make plain milk because it is most versatile for my culinary needs. The flavored milk is a nice treat for smoothies, or if you like to enjoy a glass of milk on its own. It is important to note that homemade milk will obviously not last as long as those you buy from the store, but it should be good for at lease 5 days. Also remember that you will need to give it a good shake before using.
Since I do not use animal's milk, I alternate between non-dairy milks for all of my smoothie and cooking needs. There are so many options for non-dairy milk today, and that makes things really easy for those of us that can't or choose not to consume dairy. The problem with store bought milk, however, is that they have additives, emulsifiers, and preservatives, and can contain unnecessary sugar. While I do often buy my almond or coconut milk (always unsweetened), it is nice to be able to make your own, so you know exactly what is going in it.
I had a ton of hemp seeds that needed to be used, so I decided to make a batch of hemp milk. Hemp milk is especially easy because there is no pre-soaking required. I love that you are in full control of how you would like to flavor your milk when you make your own. The options are endless. Here are two ways that I like to make my hemp milk.
Hemp Milk
(Makes 3-4 cups)
Plain/unsweetened:
- 1 cup of hemp seeds (organic)
- 3-4 cups of filtered water, depending on desired thickness
- small pinch of Himalayan salt (to enhance flavor)
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Add hemp seeds, water, and seasonings if using, to a high speed blender. Blend until the seeds are well broken up and mixture becomes smooth.
- Strain your milk by using a nut milk bag, cheese cloth, or fine sieve/strainer.
- Pour milk into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate.
I usually only make plain milk because it is most versatile for my culinary needs. The flavored milk is a nice treat for smoothies, or if you like to enjoy a glass of milk on its own. It is important to note that homemade milk will obviously not last as long as those you buy from the store, but it should be good for at lease 5 days. Also remember that you will need to give it a good shake before using.
RSS Feed