Who doesn’t love Almond or Peanut Butter……or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread?
Well, depending on what type you buy will determine if your nut butter becomes a fat laden additive nut butter or some have more unhealthy calories than a candy bar! I am sure you have heard by now that nuts provide many healthy nutrients for us, so here is some of the great benefits of NUTS!
NUT NUTRITION FACTS:
Rich in energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega 3-fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, folate, calcium, iron and more.
Nuts are linked to lowering cholesterol and better heart health, BUT nuts are higher in calories, so YOU do want to choose wisely, as portion control is very important!
SO WHAT MAKES A BAD PEANUT BUTTER?
Many store bought brands are filled with ingredients that take away from the nutritious part of eating nuts. Look at this ingredient list of the most popular store brand: roasted peanuts (that’s good), sugar (in your peanut butter!), hydrogenated vegetable oil (1st oil), cotton seed oil (2nd oil), rapeseed oil (3rd oil), partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil (4th oil), salt………….YUCK!!!!
WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT THE CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT SPREAD?
Well, we think hazelnuts…….those are good for us, and chocolate is suppose to be good for us (Yes, I do agree with a little dark chocolate every night, Tom and mine staple!) BUT look at the ingredient list: sugar, vegetable oil, hazelnuts, skim milk powder, fat reduced cocoa powder, emulsifier (soy lechitin), flavoring ………..YUCK AGAIN!
SO………..ARE YOU READY FOR A GUILT FREE NUT AND CHOCOLATE SPREAD RECIPE?
Almond Nut Butter
1 c. roasted almonds (salted or un-salted, whatever your preference)
1 T. coconut oil
pinch of sea salt (optional)
THAT’S IT!
Place almonds in your food processor and turn it on high. (I have a wonderful big Cuisinart, but tried my small, less expensive food processor for easy clean up and to see if it would work for my little college blog followers😊, and yes it works too!) Depending on the speed and power of your food processor, mine took about 5 minutes to process until the almonds turn to butter. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times. Once you get the desired consistency, add the coconut oil and salt. Place in a mason jar to keep fresh. Voila, that’s it, your guilt free nut butter!
CHOCOLATE NUT BUTTER
1 c. roasted almonds (salted or un-salted, I prefer un-salted for this recipe)
1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 to 2 T. honey or maple syrup (depending on sweetness as to how much you add)
1 T. coconut oil
pinch of sea salt
garnish with chocolate chips, if you prefer
THAT’S IT!
(Same as above) Place almonds in your food processor and turn it on high. (I have a wonderful big Cuisinart, but tried my small food processor for easy clean up and to see if it would work for my little college blog followers😊, and yes it works too!) Depending on the speed and power of your food processor, mine took about 5 minutes to process until the almonds turn to butter. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times. Once you get the desired consistency, add the coconut oil, cocoa, honey or maple syrup, salt and blend until smooth. Place in a mason jar to keep fresh. Voila, that is it, your guilt free chocolate nut butter!
HOW ABOUT SOME SNACK FOOD IDEAS TO GO WITH IT!
celery stalks with almond butter
apple slices with almond butter (this is one of my favorite snack foods!👍)
whole grain crackers with almond butter
Ezekiel bread (or any wholesome sprouted bread) with almond butter & sliced bananas
strawberries with chocolate nut butter
banana slices with chocolate nut butter
NOW you can enjoy the GUILT FREE ALMOND BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE NUT BUTTER with any of these items above, or let me know of any other great food items you try!
Also, you can substitute the almonds with cashews for another great nut butter, or most any other nut!
Awesome,let me know how it goes!