Hello, dear readers. This post might be a little shorter than usual, word-wise, because it has been a very emotional and tumultuous day. Some of you may already know, but I’ve been struggling greatly with my health issues and my job in finance. With consultations from my doctors, I have decided to go on temporary medical leave. I won’t go into particulars, but this time will be spent resting, healing, and receiving treatment.
I was supposed to go on leave at the end of next week, out of courtesy for the month-end processing that my team does in finance. However, after an emotional appointment this morning with my doctor, he strongly urged that I start my leave time immediately, in the best interest of my health. So that is what I did.
But don’t worry, I’ll still be around! As mental health is such an important aspect of overall well-being, I will still spend time doing what I love (AKA being in the kitchen), creating nourishing recipes and healing foods. The vibe will probably be a little quieter; a little more mellow. I hope you all will still stick around for the ride!
Much love,
Sarah
Homemade Pecan + Walnut Milk
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Walnuts
- 1 Cup Pecans
- 4 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 Cup Water for soaking
- 2 Cups Water to be added later
- 1/8 Tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine walnuts, pecans, dates, and one cup of water. Let soak for at least 4 hours. However, if you're pinched for time, soak nuts and dates with one cup of boiling water instead, for about 10-15 minutes.
- In a blender, add nuts, dates, the water it was soaking in, two additional cups of water, plus the cinnamon. Blend on high for at least two minutes, or until mixture is smooth in the blender.
- Line a large bowl with a nut milk bag. If you don't have one, you can also you a cheesecloth or even a fine mesh sieve. Just note that using a sieve may not result in a super-smooth milk.
- Once all of the mixture has been poured, squeeze the liquid out into the bowl.
- Once you've squeezed out as much liquid as you can, transfer the milk into an airtight container. I like to use mason jars. The milk can be used immediately, or can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Song of the Day:
Imagine – Jack Johnson
P.S. For those of you who asked – these vintage mugs were my grandmother’s. She died of breast cancer in 2001 and being able to have these mugs is very meaningful to me.
33 Comments
rachel @ atheltic avocado
October 29, 2015 at 9:10 pmI’ve only ever made cashew milk but this sounds amazing! I would love this in a smoothie :)
Sarah
October 29, 2015 at 9:23 pmOoh that’s a great idea!! I bet it would taste great in a mylkshake too ;)
Kathryn @ The Scratch Artist
October 29, 2015 at 10:07 pmHey Sarah,
I am really happy to hear that you are going to have some time to take care of yourself. Balancing all the demands of life is hard enough when you feel healthy and yourself, but when you are feeling as you have described the challenge is mammoth. I hope that this is the time you have been needing to return to your healthy and vibrant self. It will be really informative to see how much the stresses of your job have been contributing to some of the health issues. You are in my thoughts. xoxo!
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:16 amThank you so much Kathryn <3 <3
Meg @ Noming thru Life
October 29, 2015 at 10:31 pmI’m so thankful that you are able to take medical leave to care and put yourself first. And don’t worry none of us are going anywhere. How could we with all the amazing delicious dishes you keep coming up with (this milk included). Just take one day at a time friend. I feel you are headed for higher ground with the break from your finance days. It’s insane how a particular job, or situation can make such a massive impact. I too ran into trouble with a horrible company and team member in corporate sales. So I hear ya. As always mad love and I’m here if you need anything!
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:18 amAww thanks Meg <3 I'm hoping that some time away from the office will help.
danielle is rooting the sun
October 29, 2015 at 10:47 pmsarah you have my dearest embrace as you undergo this period of health and restoration. the most frustrating part is often trying to pin-point the different origins of ailment, but by eliminating certain stressors in life it definitely makes it easier to work on healing. i’m glad you’re going to be able to get some quiet time. it’s been a pleasure getting to follow your voice and delicious food thus far and i’m right here for the ride. xoxo
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:18 amThank you so much for your kind note Danielle <3 and thank you for sticking along for the ride :)
Susannah (Lemon and Coconut)
October 30, 2015 at 7:15 amDear Sarah, look after yourself and do as many relaxing things as you can, remembering that there is so much wonderful future ahead of you. I adore your blog and you, you’re such a lovely, valuable, warm-hearted, talented woman. And a break will give me time to go over all your past recipes and get stuck into them too!BIG HUG xx
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:19 amThank you so much Susannah!! You are so sweet!! <3
Sus // roughmeasures.com
October 30, 2015 at 7:23 amSending you positive, healing vibes and hoping the recovery isn’t too hard. Sometimes the hardest thing is stopping and admitting you need a break. Well done Sarah. These drinks look so cozy, snuggle up on your sofa and get some well deserved rest. X
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:20 amThank you Sus :) <3
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
October 30, 2015 at 7:34 amAw I’m so sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well. But I’m glad to hear that you are taking time off to heal- that is so important. Self care is so often neglected today. Sending you love and healing vibes <3
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:20 amThanks Gen <3 <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
October 30, 2015 at 7:55 amThis is a lovely combo for homemade nut milk! Wonderful!
Take it easy dear. Do what you need for you and sending you my best, always!
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 10:20 amThanks girl <3
Katrina
October 30, 2015 at 11:15 amYou have the prettiest mugs! And this milk sounds fantastic :)
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 9:47 pmThank you!! They were actually my grandmothers :)
Sofie @ sofiesfood
October 30, 2015 at 11:40 amWhat a great idea! I have only tried macadamia, almond and cashew milk so far but I have to try this!
xx, Sofie
http://sofiecharlotte.com
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 9:47 pmLet me know how it goes girl!! :D
traci | vanilla and bean
October 30, 2015 at 3:57 pmThe hard thing to do is to step back and take the time one needs to regroup, reflect, heal and nurture ourselves to health. You are courageous my dear Sarah, for taking charge of your needs instead of the needs of stress. I’m right here with you. Thank you for this fantastic milk recipe. It is so nourishing and I absolutely must try it because pecans are my favorite sweet nut ever!! Delicious!
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 9:48 pmThank you so much for your kind, kind note Traci. My eyes are brimming with all of the love and support I’ve received from all of you and I can’t thank you enough <3
Amanda Paa
October 30, 2015 at 9:15 pmgosh, after going through a year and a half of health issues, i can totally relate. i’m wishing you well, healing, and rest. and if you ever need to talk, my email is always open! xo
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 9:48 pmI think I will take you up on that, lady! ;) Thank you!
Molly
October 30, 2015 at 9:15 pmSorry to hear that! I hope you start to reap the benefits from time off and some rest. Good luck with everything :)
-Molly
apolloandluna.com
Sarah
October 30, 2015 at 11:22 pmThank you Molly!! <3
thefolia
November 4, 2015 at 1:01 amWant to start my little one on nut milk instead of cow…I’m not a fan of macadamia nut milk…too bold and although I like cashew in most cases, there’s not a whole lot of creme to it. This combinations sounds divine Cheers to a healthy lifestyle…my husband needs to take your lead from the industry as well and spend more time in the kitchen living and not stressing..
Sarah
November 4, 2015 at 1:39 pmThat’s awesome! Making your own nut milk is really easy AND super-customizable! And about work/stress – it is SO not worth it! I got to a point where I was working to pay for my medical bills that I had because WORK was making me sick!! Sometimes a little time in the kitchen can do wonders for de-stressing :)
Kathryn
November 10, 2015 at 10:24 amI’m so sorry to read that you’ve been struggling recently and I hope that you’re feeling better after a few weeks off (I’m so behind in my blog reading…). Going on medical leave can be a really strange experience – I’ve recently had a month off for medical reasons – so I hope that you’re doing okay. Sending you lots of healing vibes.
Sarah
November 10, 2015 at 1:02 pmOh Kathryn I hope you’re doing okay as well! Thank you so much for leaving a note <3
Andrea Wyckoff
February 12, 2016 at 12:23 amThis looks so dreamy!! Homemade walnut milk is my favorite flavor, but I haven’t tried it mixed with pecans yet! Sounds divine!
Sarah
February 12, 2016 at 8:52 amThanks Andrea! <3
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