SEED & NUT MILKS

There are several good brands of organic unsweetened almond and hemp milks available on the market, but every health enthusiast and raw food lover should have a basic nut and seed milk recipe in his or her repertoire. You can use anything from the smallest seeds, such as sesame seeds, to the largest nuts, such as Brazil nuts, to try new flavors. Nut milks can be used in place of cow milk and are perfect for high-quality cereals, smoothies, or dessert recipes, or simply served warmed or chilled as desired.

Selecting the highest-quality organic raw nuts and seeds is important. Nut and seed milks can be combined neutrally, unlike nuts and seeds or nut and seed butters. For detoxification purposes, smaller is cleaner. This means that a sesame milk will always move through the body more cleanly and quickly than an almond or Brazil nut milk.

—NATALIA

Basic Raw Nut or Seed Milk

1 cup nuts or seeds

4 cups pure water

For a creamier texture, soak the nuts or seeds overnight in pure water, strain, and rinse. In a high-speed blender, add the nuts or seeds and water. Blend until all the nuts or seeds are smooth and silky. Strain through a cheesecloth, and store in the refrigerator in an airtight sealed container for up to 5 days. Always shake before use.

MAKES 1 QUART