Fresh Made Almond Milk

Making this DIY almond milk is easily the superior version of almond milks. It actually tastes quite different from store-bought versions because it's just so good! I was completely surprised myself the first time I made it.

This homemade variations doesn't included additives such as thickeners like added guar or gellan gums (which to some can cause stomach upset), and the almond flavor here just comes from the almonds not added flavor. I would suspect there's a greater ratio of almonds used in this almond milk vs. factory processed as well (though I have no way of proving this, I'm giving that judgment based on taste alone).

Isn't making things from scratch and that bit of self sufficiency involved with it just such a gratifying process (and we tend to appreciate it more too right)? Even when it's this easy, totaling about 5 minutes hands on prep time.

It's also a handy know-how for when you may run out of store-bought milk of any kind but you're wanting that bowl of muesli or cereal with it.

You'll just need a few special tools including a nut bag or a clean tea towel for straining, and a high speed blender to finely pulverize the soaked almonds.

Uses and Variations

Once you've completed the simple process there are countless uses for it. You can drink as is, serve with cereal or oatmeal, add to soups, makes sauces such as curries, or create desserts along the lines of pudding and so forth.

You can even change up the flavor of the almond milk. Making it taste horchata-like by blending with a cinnamon stick, turning it into chocolate almond milk or hot chocolate, or giving it a spiced flavor and sunny glow by making it golden milk (turmeric milk). And don't forget the fruity options like strawberry milk by adding a strained homemade strawberry sauce.

I'd say start with the basic recipe below to taste it's pure goodness, then explore all the other flavor options and uses from there.

Easy Homemade Protein Drink

Are you tired of those shelf stable protein drinks that have an incredibly long list of ingredients, many of which are hard to read and pronounce? They often leave us to wonder if they're really healthy or more of just a marketing gimmick.

This frothy protein shake is made up of natural ingredients, it has a fresher taste, and it has a velvety delicious chocolate peanut butter flavor that will leave you craving more!

It's also easy to customize (see ideas below) which is another great thing about making it from scratch, you can use up what you have on hand.

It makes a tempting addition to breakfast (chocolate for breakfast? Yes please!), a tasty midday snack, or great kickstart to enjoy before a workout. And you'll love that it tastes far more natural than many of those you'll buy.

What's not to love here?

Then as a side note if you are looking for more ways to use up a big jar of peanut butter powder try it in oatmeal, add to smoothies, mix in yogurt, add to pancakes, or sprinkle over fruit like apples. It's delicious!

Love white chocolate vanilla bean treats? Also try my triple layer Vanilla Bean Cheesecake (with Mousse!). It's easily one of my all time favorite desserts!

The BEST White Hot Chocolate

I'd dare say this velvety drink is the BEST white hot chocolate! Far better than any mix you'll by, better than what you'll get at a local shop, and yes even better than Starbucks white hot chocolate.

It's company-worthy and loved by people of all ages. And you wouldn't believe how easy it is to make.

Plus it only requires 4 ingredients (along with a pinch of salt), and it's perfectly customizable (see some fun ideas below).

It's also an unexpected and welcome change from the classic chocolate flavored hot chocolate.

You can also double or triple the recipe for a bigger crowd, just use a pot instead of a saucepan.

What more could you want on a chilly winter day than this warm, inviting, vanilla bean flecked white hot chocolate?

Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte

This simple, sip-able drink is made with pumpkin puree, creamy milk, strong coffee or espresso, a sweet whipped cream topping, and crucial ingredient - plenty of flavorful pumpkin pie spice!

It comes together quickly and there are a several different ways you can make it (see ideas below). Plus with this recipe you can make it year round rather than waiting for the local coffee shop to make it seasonally.

You'll find this warm pumpkin spice latte to be the highlight of lazy fall weekends, the most welcome treat to bring along on chilly autumn walks, or it will make for a tasty pick me up to start a Monday.

If it's still hot out where you live you can also make it into an iced latte. Just use a little less milk, chill thoroughly, then serve it over ice.

Two great options to serve it - cozy and warm or chilled and refreshing. Either way I think you're going to love it!

Homemade Iced Coffee

Making iced coffee at home is such an easy process and you only need a few ingredients. The key is just using robust, richly roasted coffee beans and allowing a generous soak time.

When you make at home you get to make it as mild or intense in flavor as you'd like, and adjust it to be as sweet or creamy as you'd like as well. You've also got the option to make it with regular or decaf coffee as well.

No need to leave the house early to take the extra time to stop by the coffee shop when you can make it at home in minutes (just plan some extra time to let the ground beans soak overnight).

Plus you don't need any fancy equipment here. You have the option of using store-bought coarsely ground coffee beans or grinding whole beans on your own.

Then from there you just need a sieve, and cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain it.

It's a delicious iced coffee that's equally as good as you'll get at any coffee shop and you can make it for a fraction of the cost!

The Best Pink Drink Recipe!

My kids latest obsession this year is Starbucks pink drink. And I love it too but not the price tag. So naturally I set out to make it at home, and after several different attempts we've come up with one we like even better!

It's ready in minutes and truly one of the most refreshing things to enjoy on hot day.

You only need a handful of ingredients, and you'll love that they are things you can always keep on hand for when those cravings strike.

Try this and you'll see that it's definitely a staple summer recipe that people of all ages will love!

The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

There's nothing quite like a cup of hot cocoa on a blistery winter day! Whether it's after an evening of visiting holiday lights, spending the day skiing, sledding, or playing in the snow hot chocolate is always the answer and the tastiest way to warm up.

This cozy and warm drink is decadently chocolatey, lusciously creamy, and it's made with just 6 ingredients (once you include the milk to prepare it).

It incorporates chocolate in two forms - both bars and cocoa powder for a pure, real deal chocolate flavor!

Then it also has a secret ingredient of malted milk powder. Which is an ingredient commonly found in old fashioned milkshakes.

It's so tasty and the prefect upgrade to this hot cocoa mix recipe. It adds a hint of that unique malted flavor. You can usually find in the baking isle or dry beverages section at the grocery store (another option is to buy it online).

Once you try this homemade hot chocolate mix you'll likely be hooked and will have a hard time going back to any store-bought mix again. We are completely obsessed with it!

If only it could pass for a decent breakfast and we would be tempted to start every morning with it.

What is Aqua Fresca?

Agua fresca (which translates to 'fresh water') is a non-alcholic drink that's popular in Mexico and Central America. It can be made with fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, flowers (such as Hibiscus), and herbs.

It's made of natural ingredients making it a better choice than something like soda (with artificial flavors, colors and lots of high fructose corn syrup).

This tasty drink can be served filtered or with the fruit pulp, though I recommend without unless you want it more like a smoothie.

What does it taste like?

Aqua fresca tastes like fruit juice but lighter. It has a nice little pop of sweetness and added vibrance from the citrus.

You'll find it's very quick and easy to make and it's something everyone will enjoy, especially on a hot day!

Favorite Tropical Smoothie

Take an island-style staycation in the comfort of your home, in your pjs with this DIY tropical smoothie that you can enjoy year round!

It's a tempting homemade treat and I think it's even better than those you get at Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Jamba Juice.

This is one of the best things you can enjoy on a hot summer day and you'll love it for breakfast or a healthy midday snack.

It's ice cold, creamy and thick and even filling since it's jam packed with fruit.

Plus it's easy to customize and add other fruits or juices you have on hand. That's the beauty of a smoothie!

This is a family favorite and I think you'll love it too!

Easy Christmas Punch Recipe

I can still remember the first Thanksgiving I made this, I immediately fell in love.

It isn't very sweet which was perfect for me because I'm not a big fun of extra sweet drinks (if you love sweet though feel free to add in about 1/3 cup sugar with the cranberry juice then mix and dissolve before adding in the soda).

It really has the most delicious blend of flavors. The combination did seem strange to me at first with ginger ale, cranberries, pineapple juice and the secret ingredient of almond extract but truly it just works!

I mean just think about all the tasty foods that use almond extract - Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, our absolute favorite Birthday Cake, this Banana Almond Flax Smoothie, and those irresistible Almond Poppy Seed Pancakes.

Almond extract makes everything good! It add such a unique yet perfectly warm and welcoming flavor and it just brings so much to this punch.

After one sip you'll see what all the hype is about. It will likely become a new staple holiday family tradition!

Also this year with smaller gatherings you can definitely half the recipe if needed. Or just serve the leftover the next day like we do. It's a bit flat but still so tasty.