nut butters

Since acquiring a food processor, I have basically stopped purchasing jarred nut butters.  It is far too easy and much more economical to make my own, and the possibilities are basically endless.  

pecan cashew butter

• 1 c pecans
• 1 c cashews

Grind nuts in food processor until creamy.  You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple times.  

cinnamon nut butter

• 2 c nuts of your choice
• 1 T cinnamon, or to taste

Grind nuts in food processor until creamy.  With motor running, pour in cinnamon; blend until well combined.  

agave brazil nut butter

• 2 c brazil nuts
• 2 T agave
• 1-2 T canola oil, as needed

Grind brazil nuts in food processor until creamy.  With motor running, drizzle in agave.  Mixture will become clumpy; drizzle in canola oil until desired consistency is reached.  

banana nut butter

• 1/2 c nuts of your choice 
• 1/2 ripe banana

Grind nuts in food processor.  When paste forms, add banana; pulse until smooth.

Keeps about a week in the refrigerator.  This has a strong banana flavor – adjust the amount of nuts or banana according to your preferences.

chocolate hazelnut butter

• 2 c raw hazelnuts
• 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 T coconut oil
• 1 T agave

Grind hazelnuts and cocoa powder in food processor.  When ground, but not yet smooth, add coconut oil.  Blend until smooth; with motor running, drizzle in agave until well combined.

see the posts: http://www.thewholeplate.com/2009/09/04/nutty-ness/ ; http://www.thewholeplate.com/2009/10/02/sweet-treats/