9 Healthy Coffee Alternatives To Start Your Morning

Sounds nuts to make almond milk at home? Nope, trust us, it's fairly easy to make - just make sure you prepare in advance. It's doable and delicious, even Kourtney Kardashian has bragged about making her own almond milk from scratch. If she could do it, you can too. Nutritional benefits of almond milk: it keeps your heart healthy and bones strong with its low sodium and high calcium. 

What you'll need:

1 cup blanched raw almonds, soaked

3 1/2 cups filtered water

2 to 4 dates, to taste*

1 whole vanilla bean, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract*

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Small pinch fine sea salt

1 Nut milk bag or a fine mesh sieve

Directions: 

1. Place almonds in a bowl and cover with a couple inches of water. Soak the almonds in water overnight (about 8 to 10 hours). For a quick-soak method, soak the almonds in boiled water for 1 hour. Rinse and drain well.
2. Place drained almonds into a blender along with the filtered water, pitted dates, and chopped vanilla bean/extract liquid.
3. Blend on the highest speed for 1 minute.
4. Place a nut milk bag over a large bowl and slowly pour the almond milk mixture into the bag. Gently squeeze the bottom of the bag to release the milk. This process can take a few minutes so be patient!
5. Rinse out blender and pour the milk back in. Whisk in the cinnamon and sea salt.
6. Using a funnel, pour into a large glass jar and secure lid. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I recommend storing in the coldest spot in the fridge (typically the back) rather than on a door. Shake the jar very well before drinking as the mixture separates when sitting. Enjoy!

[Photo via @gucciwestman]