I've always been nuts about nut milk but had never experimented with flavors and anything beyond almonds or cashews until this past weekend. And oh boy what a world of flavor and fun.
I mean, yes, it's a time commitment. And yes, you will have to stock up on what can amount to a pricey bundle of nuts.
But when you make a large enough batch the milks last forever and you have a kaleidoscope of flavors for every situation. Chocolate brazil nut milk with an Oreo? Warm turmeric macadamia nut milk before bed?
Pistachio and cardamom for that insanely amazing middle-eastern sub-continent flavor pairing in a little ol' jar...?
Yes, please!
I tend to go sweeter than most with nut milks and can never have enough cinnamon. Basically I want it to be Christmas. Always.
Knowing not everyone shares this tendency, I've made a conscious effort to scale back on that impulse here, so these recipes should hit all the notes evenly.
As always though, feel free to go crazy with whatever modifications you like.
 Brazil Nuts Soak Time: None Spice: 1 1/2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder Sweetener: 4 Pitted Dates Color in the final Blend: Chocolate Brown |
 Macadamia Nuts Soak Time: 8 Hours Spice: 1/2 tsp Cinnamon + 1 tsp Turmeric Sweetener: None Color in the final Blend: Deep Gold |
 Pecan Soak Time: 6 Hours Spice: 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon Sweetener: 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup Color in the final Blend: Golden |
 Pistachio Soak Time: None Spice: 1/4 Tsp Cardamom Powder Sweetener: 2 Dried Apricots, diced Color in the final Blend: Light Green |
 Walnut Soak Time: None Spice: 1/2 Vanilla Pod or 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract Sweetener: 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup Color in the final Blend: Light Brown |
And in case you've forgotten all your nut milk basics when it comes to making nut milk
Method:
- For each recipe, add flavorings with 1 cup of nuts and 4 cups of warm water to the blender (use hot water for brazil and pistachio).
- Blend for 60 seconds then pulse, scraping the pulp from the sides if necessary.
- Taste and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor if you need to.
- Then get your nut bag (a cheesecloth would do but really, if you're going to spend time making liquid nut joy just get a nut bag).
- And then pour, and squeeze, like so:
You will no doubt find your own perfect partner to every one of these nut milk recipes. When it comes to my favorites, itto be the macadamia nut milk gently warmed before bed (you will sleep like a baby) and the brazil nut cocoa milk with shortbread. It might just be heaven.
Let me know any special combinations you dream up in the comments, and happy blending!
