Archives for March 2011

First of all, I’m in the library at school and the campus is on lock down.  I’m kind of freaking out.  There was a shooting threat, so they locked us down.  So instead of studying like I’m supposed to be doing, I’m blogging.  I totally can’t concentrate on A&P right now.

On to happier things…

Like almond butter…

I love almond butter, but I don’t love paying $10 a jar for the good stuff.  Especially when I can make it at home for a fraction of the cost!

So I buy the big bags of almonds at Costco and just make my own!  It’s so simple you won’t believe you haven’t been doing it all along!  It’s a teeny bit more work that peanut butter, but not much.  And it’s totally worth it!

So here’s what you need…

About 2 cups of almonds (make sure they’re not salted)
canola oil (about 1/2 tablespoon- you can omit this but you won’t get quite the smooth consistency if you do)
pinch of salt
agave nectar or maple syrup (to taste.  also optional.)

And here’s what you do…

Put your almonds on an ungreased baking sheet.

Roast in a 300 F oven for about 25 mins, stirring occasionally. (skip this step if you have almonds that are already roasted)

Into the food processor they go!

Here’s how the next few steps go.  This will take around 10 ish minutes, depending on how powerful your food processor is…

First they will grind to a crumbly consistency.  Keep going!

Then they will start coming together a bit.  Keep going!

Then it will clump together in a big ball.  Keep going!

Then it will start coming together and looking like almond butter.  Don’t be fooled- it’s not ready yet!  Keep going!

Keep going till it’s a nice smooth creamy consistency, like this.

Then add in your 1/2 tablespoon of canola oil, a few pinches of salt, and a drizzle of agave nectar, to taste. 

Give it a few more seconds and you’re done!

Store in a jar with a lid and you’re good to go!  When I first started making my own nut butters I stored them in the fridge because I was afraid they would go bad.  Not necessary- we go through a jar in about a week, they don’t have time to go bad around here!  But if you don’t eat much nut butter then you may want to think about stashing it in the fridge.

Oh, and you want to know what an almost empty jar of almond butter is best for?

To eat your oatmeal out of!

Just pour in the nice hot oats, top with your fav toppings, and the almond butter on the sides and in the little nooks and crannies of the jar just melts into the oats!  Mmmmmm!

That was what was for breakfast this morning!

Hope you are inspired to start making your own nut butters!

Happy snacking!!

P.S.  Update on the lock down… after about an hour and a half, they just lifted it.  I have another class this afternoon, but I’m in no mood for that- I’m going home!!