Homemade Almond Milk with Cinnamon

I've been wanting to make a big batch of homemade almond milk for awhile now, and I've finally gotten down to business. Before, I was buying pre-made coconut milk, but wanted to shake things up a bit. I feel it's best to rotate between alternative milks in order to ward off development of new food sensitivities or allergies, which can develop if you rely too heavily on one ingredient for an extended period of time.

The almond milk came out smooth, creamy and delicious. The hardest part was waiting for the nuts to soak adequately for about 8-12 hours before the rest of the process began.

 

Rinse your almonds (or nuts of choice) before soaking them for 8-12 hours.

After soaking the almonds (I soak them in a colander sitting in a sauce pan of water for easy extraction), pull them out, rinse, and dump into a high powered blender. Our blender is Black and Decker and it works like a dream.

Blend the 2 cups of soaked nuts with about 6 cups of filtered water for a good 2-3 minutes. Hold your lid down tight! After blending, set up a jar and fine cloth bag for straining (we use cheese cloth bags, you can also use paint strainer bags which are really inexpensive).

Slowly pour the blend through the mesh bag into a storage jar. Emphasis on slowly, as it takes a bit for it to strain through. Pick up the bag and slowly begin to squeeze the the milk out of the bag. Once all the liquid is squeezed through, you're left with what looks like an almond meal substance. Right now I'm letting the almond pulp/meal dry out for about 3 hours. After, I'll blend it into a fine almond flour in my blender and use it for baking. You won't waste anything from this recipe, and you'll be saving money since pre-made almond flour is wicked expensive these days. The finished almond milk is full of nutrients and enzymes and is perfect for making smoothies or drinking it alone.

Add a few good shakes of organic cinnamon (I use McCormick or Simply Organic) and stir until well blended. Refrigerate the milk and use it within 3-4 days for freshness. Next time I'll be experimenting with adding vanilla extract or maybe some cacao powder for a chocolate almond milk. This is my new favorite alternative milk by far.

Check out other ways to use left over almond pulp after milk making here.

What's your favorite way to make non-dairy milk?

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Fashionably Gluten-Free

I recently stumbled across another awesome site with cute Gluten-free apparel: The Gluten-Free Boutique! All of the items below are from their products listed through their Cafepress.com site. Check out the Gluten-Free Boutique here. Bumper stickers, mugs, and cute handy totes are available as well as tees, tanks, and hoodies.

What do you think of GF fashion? Would you wear it? Yea or Nay?

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Unleashing Inner Strength

Looking back on how far I've come since this summer when I was in and out the emergency room every few days, I feel a renewed sense of life. I remember how much adversity I've faced head on and come through. I'm reminded that we as humans are survivors by nature, and it's truly flooring what the human spirit is capable of.

Today I just want to post a few things that really inspire me to embrace my inner strength. No food allergies, celiac disease, tumors, or seemingly stressful jobs have power over the creation of my own happiness and full appreciation for life. This world is full of unique blooms and the brightest of rays. Open your eyes and bask in the richness of life.

 

Taken on a road trip with my sister in the Washington state peninsula.

Taken on a relaxing morning filled with the warm scent of cinnamon.


There's always time for being young and silly at heart. I find it vital to my existence.

Spontaneous brunches. My favorite coaster is shown here.

Crazy, fun, wild, love!

You are always stronger than you think.

What things do you deem important in your life?

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Healing with Allergies, Embracing Life

1. Claritin 24 hour tabs


2. Benadryl Liquid Gels


3. Eternal Naturally Alkaline Water--for re-hydrating and cleansing the body post-allergic reaction.


4. Now Solutions 100% Shea Butter--to soothe the skin when I have a rash break out during my reaction. Warning! Shea Butter does come from the tree nut, so if you are sensitive to tree nuts, I really don't recommend it. The only nuts I am sensitive to are peanuts. And of course, nutty people ;)


5. Epinephrine (Epi-Pen) --I carry this with me at all times.

Relaxing and healing in our favorite cozy spot.

Today I had some accidental exposure to soy while at work. There was a bustling conference of about 30 people zooming around the front lobby I was working in, and they had just ordered a plethora of pizzas, breads, sauces, steaming wings, sandwiches, and more. It wasn't the first time I'd been around a lot of allergens so I thought I'd be pretty much fine...and I was for a short time. That changed quickly when a few people approached my counter with steaming plates of allergen filled food and asked me for some favors. I served them quickly as I felt my throat tightening from inhalation of the steaming food. I made a run for my allergy medication.

The reaction got severe enough to cause twitching, shaking, numbness in the limbs and chest pains even after the throat swelling went down. I actually sat with my EpiPen in my lap for the first time in months. Right now, I'm bringing myself back to health and a good mindset from the safety of my favorite worn in seat on our cushy couch. After a food allergy scare, I remind myself it's okay to feel vulnerable and it's normal to recoil to a safer place. Nourishing myself with freshly made green juice with ginger (natural anti-inflammatory), hot water with lemon, and a comforting plate of buckwheat pilaf is a nice way to return to my spirited self. I find taking some time to heal physically and mentally, or in whatever way suits you best, is more beneficial in the long run than simply trying to play tough and reckless by just "powering through" a reaction and the aftermath. I don't take my health for granted. Not anymore. I treasure myself.

This video by the Food Allergy Initiative illustrates the life of an extremely food allergic young boy. His father speaks of the importance of being aware, growing as a food allergic individual, and trying to find that sacred balance between being careful and thriving happily. It's true to say that food allergic children are different from others, but I believe it's a difference that gives strength eventually, instead of initial fear. A stronger individual emerges from every challenge faced in life, and food allergies are no exception. I have hope for food allergic children (and adults) everywhere, that we will grow brighter in spite of setbacks and supposed limitations. I love this video, and it is very eyeopening to these realities. Let's rally our strength in hopes of a brighter future for our kids and for a food allergy cure.

Watch the video below, or Click the Link here.

What are your thoughts?

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Peppered Breakfast Bake

A fresh way to start a sunny Sunday.

 

 A late breakfast, early lunch that makes for great energy all day.

Usually my attempts at frittata turn into something better--a scrambled breakfast bake! My refusal to use teflon frying pans (the non-stick that lets off toxins if it gets heated too much) results in the frittata breaking apart. I don't mind though, as I then get to add all my favorite fresh ingredients and have control over how long I cook them. I like to keep things fresh and not cook out too many of the nutrients. The exception is the spinach, which I usually add first since more nutrients are absorbed when it is slightly sauteed.

Peppered Breakfast Bake

{{Soy free, Gluten free, Legume free, Casein free, Nut free}}

• 4-5 eggs
• 1 cup Spinach
• 1 cup Kale (the greens look like a lot at first, but they cook down to a smaller amount).
• 1/2 medium sized onion, roughly chopped or diced.
• 1 Poblano pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 2 sprigs fresh dill, minced
• 3 sprigs fresh parsley roughly chopped.
• Salt, Pepper, Dried Thyme, and a Dash of Cayenne.

Saute onions, poblano pepper, and garlic in a pan with olive oil (or coconut oil) over medium heat. Add the spinach after a few minutes, and the kale just afterwards. When the greens begin to wilt, add the tomato and the 4 or 5 whisked soy free eggs. Mix around in the pan just as you would to scramble the eggs, but making sure the veggies and greens are incorporated. Add the salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Take the pan off the heat and add the fresh herbs.

 

What's your power breakfast?

Wishing a sunny Sunday to all.

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