Almond Nectar

1-2 cups raw almonds, soaked overnight & rinsed
1-2 tsp vanilla (scraped from the pod or natural - I use organic Mexican vanilla)
agave nectar to taste
3 Tbs shredded coconut

Place rinsed almonds & all other ingredients in blender. Cover with about 3 cups of water. Blend several times to pulverize all ingredients, incorporating all the flavors. Pour through a strainer or better yet a clean cotton cloth, or nut milk/sprout bag and squeeze out the milk over a bowl. I've found the squeezing method far more effective on getting all the liquid out. Save the pulp for the base of a sweet recipe, like pie crust, cake or fudge.

(vary amounts according to your taste)

Drink as is or use 1 ½ cups to 2 bananas and a tablespoon of carob for an Almond Nectar Caraboo

- by Sharon Oliver