Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat today! If you’ve ever sipped that creamy, dreamy hazelnut milk and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” your wish is about to be granted. I absolutely adore making fresh nut milks, and hazelnut milk holds a special place in my heart. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, it elevates everything from my morning coffee to my smoothies, infusing everything with a nutty, rich flavor that feels like a warm hug!
I still remember the first time I made hazelnut milk. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just returned from a local market where I stumbled upon a bag of gorgeous, plump hazelnuts. I thought to myself, “Why not give it a shot?” Little did I know that I’d be hooked for life! The process is simple, and the result is an absolutely delightful milk that can be used in multiple ways. So grab your hazelnuts, and let’s get started!
What’s in Hazelnut Milk?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what’s going into this delicious creation.
Hazelnuts: The star of the show! Not only do they provide that delicious nutty flavor, but they’re also packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. I always recommend using raw and unsalted hazelnuts to keep things natural and controllable.
Water: This is what helps blend everything together. I prefer using filtered water to ensure a clean and fresh taste. You’ll need quite a bit of it for blending.
Sweetener (optional): I love adding a touch of sweetness to my hazelnut milk. Honey and maple syrup are my favorites, but you can use whatever tickles your fancy. The great thing about making it yourself is you can adjust the sweetness to fit your taste!
Vanilla extract or a pinch of salt (optional): Want to take your hazelnut milk to the next level? A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, while a pinch of salt enhances the flavor.
Is Hazelnut Milk Good for You?
Absolutely! Making your own hazelnut milk is a healthy alternative to store-bought versions because you can control the ingredients and avoid additives.
Hazelnuts: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins, hazelnuts can help improve heart health and provide a good source of energy.
Water: Hydration is key! Using fresh water not only helps blend the nuts but also keeps your milk light and refreshing.
However, if you add a sweetener, just keep in mind that it might add some sugar content. Luckily, the beauty of homemade milk means you can taste as you go and adjust accordingly!
Ingredients for Hazelnut Milk
– 1 cup hazelnuts
– 4 cups water (for blending)
– Optional sweetener (like honey or maple syrup)
– Optional vanilla extract or a pinch of salt
This recipe yields about 4 cups of rich, creamy hazelnut milk — perfect for a week of delightful breakfasts and treats!
How to Make Hazelnut Milk?
Now, let’s get down to business! Here’s how you can whip up this delightful hazelnut milk in just a few steps:
1. Soak the hazelnuts in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Don’t skip this step! Soaking softens the nuts and makes blending easier.
2. After soaking, drain and rinse the hazelnuts under cool water.
3. Place the drained hazelnuts in a blender, and pour in 4 cups of fresh water. Go ahead, blend on high until you get a smooth, creamy consistency — about 1-2 minutes should do the trick.
4. Now it’s time to strain! Use a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a bowl or pitcher. Squeeze well to ensure you get all the liquid goodness out.
5. If you want to sweeten your milk or add a splash of vanilla, this is the moment! Blend again briefly to mix everything.
6. Pour your homemade hazelnut milk into a glass or bottle and store it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Just give it a good shake before using.
I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to pour your own homemade hazelnut milk into your morning coffee or over cereal. It just tastes so much better than anything you can find in the store!
Delicious Tips for Your Hazelnut Milk
– You can keep the leftover hazelnut pulp! It’s great for adding to smoothies, pancakes, or baked goods, so don’t toss it unless you want to!
– If you want to switch things up, you can blend in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate hazelnut treat.
– Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist, especially during the cozy season.
I really hope you give this homemade hazelnut milk a shot. It’s easy, fun to make, and you’ll be so proud of yourself for whipping up something so tasty from scratch! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Enjoy your nutty adventures!
