HOW TO MAKE NUT BUTTERS

Ever wonder what else you can do with the delicious variety of nuts that are available year round?  Sure you can put them in the freezer, or keep some in the fridge, but they are easily forgotten when they get pushed to the back behind the milk or lost under that bag of frozen peas.  One way we savor the flavor of them year round is by making "nut butter".

Yes, just like peanut butter, it's "whatever nut" butter.

Making it couldn't be any easier.  The only equipment you need is a blender or a food processor. 

You simply put whatever amount you have into the processor or blender.  You can use them toasted or raw, of course each of those will created a different taste.  Put them in, and grind until a paste forms.  If you need to, you can add oil (a non flavored oil such as vegetable) as needed to help get that smoother consistency that you might prefer.

Some nuts, like almonds, have a high fat content and will be creamy without adding oil.  Hazelnuts, for example, will be the opposite, they will make a dry butter that will need the oil. 

We sometimes add other flavors by using honey, salt, vanilla, I've even made a batch of pecan butter and added maple syrup and cinnamon, it was heavenly.

SO NOW THAT YOU'VE MADE IT, WHAT
DO YOU DO WITH NUT BUTTER?

• Swirl any nut butter into vanilla ice cream.

• Blend hazelnut or almond butter into smoothies.

• Top a bowl of oatmeal with a spoonful of any nut butter.

• Spread pecan butter between two shortbread cookies.

• Make banana and nut butter sandwiches.

• Toss lo mein noodles with almond butter, soy sauce, sautéed snow peas, carrots, and scallions.

• Dollop cooked green beans with hazelnut butter.

Image courtesy of Cooking Light

As you can see, they come out in a wide variety of colors and textures.  Kept in a jar in your refrigerator, they will last for months. So don't be afraid to try this great way of keep the wonderful flavor of nuts around all season long.

And come back and let us know how you used yours!