How far back can we place Almonds, with Moses!

Number 17:8  When Moses went into the tent of the covenant on the next day, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted.  It put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.

This was as far back as I could place this very beneficial food.  In Hebrew, almond means "diligence" and happens to be the first tree of the year to flower in Palestine.  The ancient Israelites valued the nuts for food and the oil when pressed.  Along with olive oil, almond oil was used for burning in lamps and ceremonial oils.  Through out Jews customs you will see the almond branches, flowers, and nuts being used.

Christian and Catholic everywhere use this oil even today and understand its importance. Anointing with oil dates back from the Old Testament times.  Today anointing are used  in baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and anointing of the sick.  Depending on Eastern, Western, Roman, or Latin anointing are used in various ways.  Jesus used anointing throughout his ministry after his own baptism.  I found so many uses here that it would be a posting of it self.  I wanted to briefly touch on how important almond oil is in times past and present.
Oils and their uses 

Almond oil was also used in lamps for ceremonially purposes.  The Old Testament Tabernacle used a Gold Lamp-stand.  Under Gods instructions the almond was used in designing the lamp, Leviticus 24: 3-4.
Read more of this here. 

This oil was also used in ancient body perfumes and treatments.  You can read more on how the Egyptians use oils here. 

Nutritionally the almond is a great source of protein, fat, fiber, Vitamin E and B.  It contains minerals of potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium, and zinc.  Benefits are energy, protection and conditioning of the skin and hair, antioxidant, lowers cholesterol, and many more.

Almonds are used in many dishes as a substitute for meat and milk.  Vegans, those with a meatless diet, use almonds as just one of many protein sources.  Almond milk is widely used for those Lactose intolerant along with those who want to have a variety of milk source. 

This is just a glimpse of the many wonderful uses for the amazing little nut.  I am going to be including recipes for dishes, skin care, oils, and breads.


Almond Meal Cleanser
1/2 cup almond meal.  (I grind whole almonds until a coarse powder.)
water, milk, or heavy cream

Mix 2 teaspoons of almond meal with just enough liquid to form a paste.  Spread onto moistened face and throat and gently massage for 1 minute.  Rinse with warm water and follow with Almond oil.  I love Aura Glow.  It has a wonderful sent and I use it as a base oil.

Ancient Skin Softer with Almond Oil- From "Herbs of the Bible" by James A Duke  Ph.D.
1/4 cup of almond oil
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1 tbsp rose hip seed oil
2 tsp vitamin C powder, you can grind this from tablets as well.
5 soft gel s of 400IU vitamin E (squeeze out)
8-10 soft gels of 1,000 milligrams evening primrose (squeeze out)
 8 soft gels of 10,000 IU of vitamin A and D (squeeze out)

Add and store in a air tight container.  Keep refrigerated or cool place. 

Almond Milk
1/2 cup raw almonds
2 cups water

Place almonds in blender and grind to a fine powder.  Add 1 cup of water and blend.  Add additional cup of water and blend until smooth milk.  You could add rice syrup to sweeten if needed.  
For those wanting a whiter and smoother milk, you can blanch the almonds the night before.  Place almonds in 1 cup of boiled water and soak until skins easily slip off.  Then use almonds in above recipe.

Read more about benefits and reasons people drink it here. 

Almond Loaf
2 cups finely ground blanched almonds
2 cups water
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 tsp chicken-like seasoning
1/4 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 cups bread crumbs
salt to taste

Saute onions and celery until tender.  Blend almonds until very fine.  Combine all ingredients and place in a casserole dish.  Bake for 1 hour at 350.

Project for today.  

Make a offering gift.  We received an already made one from church to send to a local Mission.  You can make your own out of Foam.  Cut a cross out of Purple foam and then make 40 cuts through out the cross to hold a coin for each day.  Easter weekend you can take your offering to a local mission, shelter, or offering plate. 
See Pinterest board for Purple Cross Instructions and picture.