Whether you forgot to buy (cow’s) milk at the grocery store, have a kid with dairy allergies, or just try to avoid eating animal products, almond milk is a sweet, creamy, and nutritious alternative you can whip up right at home. Here’s how you do it:

1. Soak 1 cup raw almonds in a bowl of water overnight.

2. Drain almonds, then place in a blender with 1 cup water. Blend on high for about a minute.

3. Add 3 more cups of water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, plus natural sweetener to taste (I like agave nectar, but honey or maple syrup are great, too). Blend on high until combined.

4. Strain mixture with a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer, and enjoy in cereal, porridge, or straight out of the glass. Almond milk will keep, covered, for up to three days in the refrigerator.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer