Homemade Almond Butter

I love almond butter.

I decided to make my own for a few of reasons.  Firstly, I know it will be fresh and from good quality whole organic almonds; second, I can control what goes into my almond butter; third, I can create my own flavours that will suit my fancy (and my hubbies);  and lastly it is more cost effective as a jar is around $8 and we go through it quickly. 

Turns out making almond butter is as easy as 1-2-3!!  All you need is almonds, a food processor and a little patience. 

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup raw almonds

1.Place in food processor and process for 12-15 minutes, scraping sides periodically, until almonds have turned smooth and creamy.  Makes b/w ¾- 1 cup almond butter.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Note:  You can also toast your almonds at 350F for 10-12 minutes, then process for a roasted almond butter. 

Enjoy!

     























I wanted to show the different textures as the almonds are being processed.  The first spoon is obviously whole almonds; the second spoon shows after 5 minutes; the third spoon after 10 minutes and the fourth spoon after 15 minutes.

  The result was incredible tasting, fresh almond butter.  It was a lot creamier and spreadable than the ones I have been buying at the store, even right out of the fridge.  I made a batch with a pinch of salt, cinnamon and vanilla and adored it….a perfect addition to my steel cut oats in the a.m.  In the future I want to experiment with a combination of different nuts, such as cashews, hazelnuts and pecans, different spices and roasting the nuts.  Let me know if you come up with some delicious flavours. 

In the past any natural nut butter was not nearly sweet enough for me, however after slowly transitioning my diet to healthier foods my taste buds adapted and now I love natural nut butters and find they taste great just as they are.  I started to enjoy and appreciate the taste of individual food. 

Almonds have one of the highest nutrient levels of all nuts – particularly high in vitamin B2, fiber and antioxidants.  They are also a source of protein, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc.  These components have resulted in almonds having a reputation as an anticancer food and are also heart healthy.  Almond butter can be eaten with breakfast cereals, fruit, used in baking cookies, muffins, cakes, on sandwiches, crackers…whatever you can think up. They are a worthy addition to your diet and this creamy almond butter is a tasty way to do it!

Food for Thought:

*70-80% of one's immune system is located in the digestive tract*

This is one reason to have an optimally functioning digestive system.  Be kind to your body and build your immune system with a variety of healthy whole foods this cold and flu season :)