Making your own nut milk is simple, especially if you have a mesh bag specifically designed to strain the pureed nuts and water. For quick, no-spill straining, Harold Import’s Nut Milk Bag ($3.95) works well. The washable, reusable polyester bag fits comfortably in a 1-quart measuring cup with enough of an overhang to fold over the top of the cup. Once the liquid drains, it’s easy to grab the edge and squeeze the last of the milk from the bag. If you prefer to rig your own system, the bag has 4 loops that can be threaded with string and hung on a hook or cabinet door handle. For almond milk, 1¼ cups almonds and 4 cups water is the right amount for the bag and makes 3½ cups milk. Adding 2 dates, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt rounds out the flavor. Available at Different Drummers Kitchen, 34 Bridge St., Northampton, 413-586-7978, and 374 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, 413-637-0606; Duck Soup, Mill Village Shopping Center, 365 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, 978-443-3825; and Kitchen Outfitters, Acton Woods Plaza, 342 Great Road, Acton, 978-263-1955. Jean Kressy

Jean Kressy can be reached at jeankressy@comcast.net