Clean Living
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My family and I love almonds. However, almonds are not cheap, and organic almonds are even more expensive. If you have already purchased your almonds in bulk or are thinking about making that investment into your health, here are 5 homemade almond recipes to help you cook more from scratch as well as save money at the grocery store in the process.
The ways to use your almonds below, are so quick and easy you will have wished you started doing this sooner. I know I did! So take a lesson from me, and get yourself cooking on these money saving recipes! These are great ways to cook from scratch in a healthy way and ways to use up those bulk almonds!
I love to use Azure Standard to purchase all my nuts, seeds, flours, etc. in bulk. I have found that for the amount that I cook from scratch, this has been the best option to ensure that I am getting quality ingredients for the best price possible.
For my family, my husband and I have sat down and written out a budget. In that budget I have allotted a certain amount each month to purchase my bulk items from Azure Standard.
Let me tell you, if you have not written out a budget, I highly encourage you to do so! This has given me the freedom each month to know that I have “x” amount of dollars to spend for my bulk items.
Check out this post 5 Ways To Save Money As A SAHM if you want to learn more!
Another benefit to making these 5 items at home, is that you know exactly what’s in them. There aren’t any ingredients that you can’t pronounce or preservatives that could be harmful to you or your family. That’s the best part, in my opinion!
If you are able to set yourself and your family up for success and have the excess of items to use for cooking, you are going to be so much more prepared for the long run. We all know how the economy has impacted our bank accounts these days. Do yourselves a favor and prepare ahead of time should something happen.
Health benefits of almonds
- Nutrient dense: high in protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins just to name a few.
- Can help with maintaining a healthy blood sugar due to the healthy fats, protein, and fiber they contain.
- They can help to reduce hunger because of how nutrient dense they are which helps to lower your caloric intake as well.
- Almonds contain calcium and phosphorus which help to improve your overall bone health.
Homemade Almond Recipes
Almond flour
Almond flour is so easy to make with your bulk almonds! All you have to do is place almonds in your blender or food processor and blend until it turns into a fine flour like substance.
Store in an airtight glass jar or container and place in a cool spot. You can store it in your pantry, however if you want it to last long term, place it in the fridge or even the freezer for a longer shelf life.
Almond flour that is stored in the fridge or freezer can typically last for up to a year if it hasn’t been exposed to moisture or heat.
How I use my almond flour
I love using my almond flour for any substitute that calls for all purpose flour. Do I still use unbleached organic all purpose flour for some things? Yes! But, it is nice to switch up the flavors too. And this is a great option if you are gluten free. And not to mention all the health benefits that comes with using almond flour as opposed to all purpose flour.
- Cookies
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Muffins
- Banana bread
- Zucchini bread
- Brownies
- Chicken parmesan-replace the bread crumbs with almond flour
Almond butter
If you are a lover of almond butter, then you know how much it cost right now. For good quality almond butter, it is not cheap. We’re talking anywhere from $7- $20 for a jar of almond butter. Outrageous!
When you realize how easy it is to make at home, you will never buy store bought again.
This simple, DIY, almond butter is a staple in our house and consume it on a daily basis. Whether it’s added to smoothies, energy bites, to almond butter and jelly sandwiches on homemade sourdough bread, it is eaten at some point of the day!
Most of the store bought almond butters contain unwanted oils and sugars to help keep it shelf stable. But, in my opinion, this homemade almond butter tastes so much better than anything store bought. Don’t believe me yet?:) Give it a try, and let me know!
What you’ll need to make homemade almond butter
- High speed blender or food processor
- Spatula
- 3 cups of Almonds
- Salt (optional)
- Honey (optional)
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon-optional)
That’s it! In less than 30 minutes you will have your own homemade almond butter and will know exactly what’s in it.
How to make almond butter
This process takes about 30 minutes in total. Trust me! It’s hard to believe that eventually your almonds will turn from a fine powder into a creamy and smooth butter, but give it time and be patient!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line a pan with parchment paper and spread out almonds flat on the pan
- Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes- this helps to release the natural oils from the almonds helping to create an even creamier almond butter.
- Once done, pour almonds (and other optional ingredients) into blender or food processor, turn on high and let it run for at least 15 minutes. You will need to scrape the sides every so often and this process could take up to 20-25 minutes. Be patient!
- Store in a jar in the fridge for up to one month. Enjoy!
Almond milk
Almond milk is another way to put your bulk almonds to good use. I personally use my Almond Cow to easily make this almond milk but you can also use a blender and a nut milk bag as well.
I don’t have personal experience using a blender and nut bag, so be sure to find a good recipe on how to best succeed using those tools.
But, I will tell you how I make almond milk using my Almond Cow.
And let me also tell you, if you find yourself making milk, creamer, etc. at home, I would highly encourage you to invest in an Almond Cow. It truly does make it so easy and you don’t have to worry about straining anything! It’s already done for you using the Almond Cow.
How I use almond milk
Almond milk can be a great replacement for cow’s milk especially if you or your child suffers from any kind of dairy allergy. Almond milk is cheap and easy to make, you know all the ingredients it contains, and it tastes delicious!
I will use my almond milk in anything that calls for cow’s milk. You may have to get used to the flavor a little bit, as it is a little different than your typical cow’s milk. But honestly, my family doesn’t even notice anymore when I use it in different meals.
Ingredients needed
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 5 cups of water
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or 2-3 dates
- A pinch of salt
- A splash of vanilla (optional)
How to make almond milk
- Soak 1/2 cup of almonds in water for at least 4 hours
- Strain and place almonds in filter basket along with maple syrup, (or dates) and salt. Attach to the top of the Almond Cow.
- Fill the base of your Almond Cow with 5 cups of water and place the top on the base securely. Push the Almond Cow button and let it run for 3 cycles.
- Transfer to a glass container and store in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Almond creamer
If you are a coffee or tea lover, this almond creamer will be a great addition to your morning cup! The best part, is that it’s only 2 ingredients! No fillers, no preservatives, nothing bad. Just almonds and maple syrup (or dates). That’s it!
Again, I use my Almond Cow for this, but I am sure you can also use a blender like you would for the almond milk. Just be sure to do a little research before trying:)
Ingredients needed
- 1/2 cup soaked almonds for 4+ hours
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (or 1-2 dates)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional)
- pinch of salt (optional)
- splash of vanilla (optional)
How to make almond creamer
- Soak 1/2 cup of almonds for 4+ hours
- Once soaked, strain and rinse and place in filter basket along with maple syrup (or dates) and any of the other optional ingredients. Attach to the top of the Almond Cow.
- Fill collector cup to the 500 mL line and place in the base of the Almond Cow.
- Attach the top to the base securely and push the Almond Cow button. Let it run for 3 rounds then enjoy!
- Transfer into glass container and store in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Roasted almond
Roasted almonds are a great addition to your weekly snacks. If you or your toddler aren’t a fan of raw nuts, then lightly toasting them is another great option.
Roasting almonds is easier than you think. You can make them taste different each time and as I have mentioned before, the amount of money you will save from making this tasty snack at home is huge!
Also, to be honest, when making these, I don’t typically measure anything out. Just add everything together until it looks right!
How I like to use my roasted almonds
- Eat them by themselves
- Add them to your homemade trail mix
- Add them to your favorite salad
- Grind them up and add them to these toddler approved energy bites
Ingredients needed
- Almonds
- Olive oil or coconut oil
- Salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning
- Chili and lime seasoning & everything but the bagel seasonings are 2 of my favorites to use
How to make roasted almonds
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Add almonds, olive oil (or melted coconut oil), and desired seasoning to a bowl.
- Mix together until almonds are fully coated.
- Pour onto baking sheet and spread out evenly.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes and let cool before trying. Enjoy!
Need more meal inspiration? Check out these cooking from scratch ideas!
Alight, mamas! There you have it. Try out these recipes and let me know how they turn out. Super easy, not time consuming, and you are saving money in the process. Enjoy!
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