A few weekends back we started potty training. Yes, a funny way to begin a post about food but I’ll get to the point in a sec. We peppered the weekend with lots of fun treats to keep the situation light. In this spirit, we had dessert for dinner and I made a “Potty Cake” (again, not the most appetizing of names, I guess you had to be there….).
Since I had some extra frozen bananas in the freezer I decided to make some nice cream to go with (in case you didn’t know, blend frozen bananas in the food processor until smooth and you get the texture of soft serve ice cream…cool right?) In the middle of some hard core blending the metal blade broke. Since no one digs banana metal chip, into the trash it went. Turns out the blade was recalled (what can I say, I like to live dangerously….).
After a few days spent contemplating a bleak nut butter-less existence, I decided to go nuts balls to the wall and give the Vitamix another try. I love it for smoothies and sauces but last time I tried making nut butter I ended up pouring it into the food processor to finish. Turns out the keys are to:
A.) Follow directions and not just throw nuts and seeds in willy nilly
B.) Use nuts with a very high oil content (I’ve found peanuts and cashews work best) and/or roast them
I was pleasantly surprised when, after a mere few minutes of blending, I had the creamiest nut butter I’d ever made. It’s so close to the consistency of Jif that it kinda freaks me out. So, if you like quick, creamy peanut butter without the the hydrogenated oils and happen to have a high speed blender, give this one a go. You’ll be nuts for it.
Ingredients:
-2.5 cups dry roasted peanuts (organic of possible, just peanuts with no added ingredients)
-1/2 cup raw cashews
-1/4 tsp sea salt (optional)
To make:
-Place all ingredients in blender except for salt.
-Turn on low setting (1) and gradually work up to highest (10), using tamper to push nuts toward blade.
-Keep blending on highest setting for approximately one minute, or until smooth.
-If using salt, add and quickly blend again on medium setting to distribute evenly.
-Pour into jar and store in refrigerator.
For more plant based ideas head over to the Joyful Gym Rat page on Facebook
Sorry I ever doubted you Vitamix! I’ll know better next time….