Everything's better with butter

I was making my shopping list last weekend and realized I was getting drastically low on delicious chunky peanut butter. In a rare stroke of genius, it dawned on me - why buy more when I could probably make my own using up some various nuts in the back of my pantry? 


A quick google search revealed that yes, it was as easy as I thought. Step 1: Roast nuts (any kind). Step 2: Process until you have butter. Simple enough, right?


I used a combo of sliced almonds and whole hazelnuts that I had in my pantry left over from another recipe. I popped in the toaster oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until they were smelling great and nice and toasted, then dumped them in the food processor and went to town, occasionally wiping down the sides with a spatula. Stop when it looks like butter! You can also add oil and/or salt and other seasonings, however you like it. Also, I will note that roasting the nuts is optional (in case you're a 'raw food' person) - but roasting not only gives a great depth of flavor, it helps draw out the natural oils in the nuts and makes the blending/processing a LOT easier. If you use raw nuts, you might have to add oil to get a spreadable consistency (and not just meal).

Enjoy with a lovely apple, spread on a bagel or just with a spoon! :) Store in the pantry, no refrigeration needed. 


Anyone out there ever make their own nut butter? What's your favorite? I'd love to hear from you!