A treat of milk with almond and dates to sleep better!

Ingredients

• 6 medjool dates
• 20 almonds
• 1 cup soaking water for dates
• 1 cup soaking water for almonds
• Pinches of cardamom, cinnamon, and/or nutmeg (optional)
• 2 cups whole milk (can substitute rice milk, or water)
• ½ - 1 cup hot water

In separate bowls or cups, cover the dates and almonds with water and soak overnight.  In the morning, drain the almonds and peel them by pinching them and popping the nut out of the skin (if the skins do not come off easily, try submerging the soaked almonds in very hot water before you peel them).  Bring the milk to a boil.  While the milk is heating, place the peeled almonds, the soaked dates and the soaking water from the dates in a blender.  When the milk froths up, add it to the blender and add hot water until the total volume is about 2.5-3 cups.  Blend for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and frothy.  Drink warm.

You can vary the thickness of the shake by adjusting the amount of hot water you add.  You can customize the quantity and density of the shake by changing the amount of dates or almonds you start with and adjusting other amounts accordingly.  Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own.