Almond Butter

Caroline Kavanagh | Nov 2, 2018

It's easy to make your own almond butter at home. Requires just one ingredient and a blender. Super simple! A wonderful gift idea as we head towards the holiday season. Additionally, almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. Some of the health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce hunger and promote weight loss. All things considered, almonds are as close to perfect as a food can get.

Remember a little goes a long way... one serving is equivalent to a tablespoon. First step is... buy a bag of raw (organic if possible) almonds which is typically about 450 to 500 grams. I buy mine when they are on sale ;) Simply spread the almonds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and pop them into the oven. You will want to check them at around the 10 minute mark by taking them out of the oven and tossing them around a bit on the tray.

The idea is to have them evenly roasted but not burnt. You want a roasted almond taste, not bitter, which is what can happen if the almonds are over-cooked. Let the roasted almonds cool on the tray for about 30 minutes before you begin the blending process.

Transfer cooled roasted almonds to a blender. If you don't have a Vitamix that is okay, a regular blender still works, it just takes bit longer.

As the almonds are chopping and blending, the oils from the almonds are released forming the butter. Almond meal is what you will see first, as you keep blending use a wooden spoon or tamping tool to work the almond meal towards the bottom of the blender and the blades.

Continue blending until forming a buttery delicious, rich textured mess! Less blending results in a crunchier butter if that is your preference. I like to add a pinch of sea salt. Yum! Experiment with additional spices or ingredients to make your own flavors. A couple examples might be, vanilla extract, cacao powder or a little honey.

As we head towards the holiday season this makes for a great gift. Just add a ribbon and you are set. Enjoy!

Prep time is 2 minutes Here's how to do it: Ingredients - 500 to 600g raw almonds (use organic if possible) Note: 1lb of almonds is about 450g Instructions Preheat oven to 320 degrees F.

Line baking tray with parchment paper and add the almonds.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until lightly roasted. At the 10 minute mark, take the almonds out of the oven and shake them around to get them evenly roasted. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes. Let the almonds cool for 30 minutes.

Transfer almonds to the blender and whirl. Use a wooden spoon or tamping tool in order to blend all the almonds. Once blended, transfer butter to a jar and keep refrigerated.

1 tbsp:

CHO = 4g

PRO = 4g

Fat = 8g

Fiber = 2g Calories: 85 CHO to PRO Ratio: 1:1