Go Nuts

I can't get enough of almond nut butter but have been tired of spending so much money on buying jars of it. I decided to make my own. Try this recipe below and I guarantee it's better than even the most expensive jar at the grocery store, and much cheaper too! 

Almond butter contains a high amount of essential fatty acids. It's not only a rich source of protein, but is also a valuable source of many beneficial vitamins and minerals. The amount in 2 tbsp. of almond butter provides 35 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin E. Almond butter is also a healthy source of calcium and magnesium. There are many uses and endless ways to eat and prepare almond butter making it a popular part of a healthy snack. As a spread, you can mix almond butter with spices such as cinnamon to make a delicious dip for apples or celery. You can also add a dash of cocoa for a nutty, chocolaty taste. For added thickness and protein, add a tablespoon of almond butter to a hot bowl of oatmeal or to thicken sauces. In most instances, you can use almond butter as a substitute for peanut butter in sandwiches and baked goods. Almond butter is rich in vitamin E, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Almonds are also a source of phytosterols, a type of fat that helps reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the body by "decreasing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from other food sources in the gastrointestinal tract. 

Homemade Almond Butter

What you’ll need:

• 2 Cups Raw Organic Almonds (soaked for 6 hours in bottled spring water and rinsed thoroughly)

• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt

• Large Food Processor

• 1 large Mason Jar

• Measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of almonds

• 2-3 teaspoons of walnut oil

• ½ teaspoon of sea salt

• 1 tablespoon of raw honey (melted)

Place almonds and sea salt into food processor. Process and stop to keep scraping the sides of the processor in the beginning, but once the almonds start to release the oil they should stick to themselves after that. You will need to scrape down the sides at the beginning, to make sure every little part gets processed.

In the middle of the process (around minute 8) your mixture will turn into a ball, but don’t worry, just let it take its course. Keep on processing when this happens. Add in 2-3 tablespoons of walnut oil at this point. You can add the oil as the almonds are processing.

Once you get a buttery consistency, stop the food processor and add 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Process until these two ingredients incorporate. Fill in your mason jar and the almond butter should last 2 weeks in fridge. 

Almond Protein Patties

• Add 1 1/2 cups organic almond slices, 1/2 cup organic vanilla protein powder, 2 teaspoons organic cinnamon, 1/4 cup almond meal in a large bowl.

• Add two organic eggs or egg whites.

• Mix all ingredients together.

• Drop a spoon full of the mixture on a cookie sheet (or parchment paper) and cook for 20 minutes at 275 degrees.

• You will have a yummy protein snack!!

Enjoy and go nuts!!

Claudia