With the kids home and with all of us in lockdown, it's time for a little DIY fun! Teaching our kids where food comes from is always a worthwhile activity. Add the fact food made at home is always more yummy, less processed, and generally contains less sugar, salt and is preservative free- let's get stuck in.
Almond butter is one of those things that seems 'healthy' when you buy it at the shops. While it may not be horrible for you- when you see what goes in to the homemade variety, experience just how easy it is, and most importantly-taste the difference- you'll be hooked. Have fun experimenting!
What You Need
16 ounces (3 cups) raw almonds
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honeywords
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C . Spread the almonds across a large, rimmed baking sheet and toast the almonds for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
Let the almonds cool until they’re just warm (not hot), about 10 minutes.
Transfer the almonds to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary. You’re going to think it’ll never blend, but be patient! The almonds will go from flour-like clumps, to a ball against the side of the food processor (keep scraping down the sides and breaking up the ball), and finally, it will turn lusciously creamy. If the mixture gets crazy hot along the way, stop and let it cool for a few minutes.
Once the almond butter is very smooth and creamy (no sooner!), you can blend in any add-ins you would like. I always add salt, for more flavor overall. You can also add cinnamon for a hint of spice, and vanilla and/or maple syrup for almond butter that tastes more special than store-bought.
Blend until the add-ins are evenly dispersed. When I added maple syrup, I had to let the mixture cool, and then blend a few additional minutes, to make it creamy again.
Let the almond butter cool to room temperature, then transfer the mixture to a mason jar and screw on the lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or until you see or smell any signs of spoilage
Recipe from Cookie and Kate