Raw Hazelnut Chocolate Mylk
My boyfriend Eric has always been a big milk drinker, and even though dairy bothers his stomach, he still won't give it up for long. I am always trying to get him to buy plant based vegan milks, because of course I don't believe in drinking animal milk in the first place, and I don't want to see him suffer through stomach issues. Sometimes he does buy them, but he says that he doesn't care for most of the store bought ones much. I have made him some in the past, and he enjoyed them, so recently I decided to make him some Raw Hazelnut Chocolate Mylk.
Chocolate milk is his favorite. He is a big sweet lover, and can not resist it. I had never made hazelnut mylk, so it was time to try. It is relatively simple to make, the only prep is soaking the hazelnuts before blending (and the blending takes all of 2 minutes). So not having time to make this is not an excuse. It turned out sooo good! Like Nutella milk, but of course healthier. I used dates to sweeten this so it was just sweet enough, but not so sweet that it was overwhelming.
I shared some of this mylk with my Mom as well, who said it is great to add to your coffee. So, for any of you who are buying that artificial creamer stuff...you might want to give this mylk a try in your coffee. I always thought the artificial hazelnut creamer was gross when I used to drink coffee but this is the real deal, and it will make your coffee smell and taste amazing. Maybe you are like Eric, trying to give up dairy, but you love your chocolate milk. Well, guess what? This recipe is just for you. If you do not have hazelnuts on hand, this will work with any other nut as well. Almonds, walnuts, cashews...just use your favorite. But if you are going for the Nutella vibe, then use hazelnuts of course.
Raw Hazelnut Chocolate Mylk
Makes 3-4 cups
1 cup raw hazelnuts, soaked for 8 hours in filtered water and drained
3-4 cups filtered water (depending on how thick you like it)
4-6 pitted medjool dates (depending on how sweet you want it)
3 Tbsp raw cacao powder
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend for 1 minute until smooth (strain if desired, but I like it as is).
