Almond Butter

Making your own almond butter not only saves you money (that stuff is really expensive!), it is also a much healthier alternative to the store-bought stuff that could have lots of added sugar, oils, and preservatives. Almond butter has an array of health benefits -- it is chock full of protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium, folic acid, potassium, and vitamin E. Making it at home means that you have the freshest product as well as control over the sugar and oil amount. All you really need is a food processor! 

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds 

canola oil spray

1 tbsp natural honey (optional, I do not add the honey to my own)

Makes about 1 cup almond butter.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spread the almonds onto a baking sheet, and spray with the canola oil. 

Roast the almonds in the oven for 10 minutes -- do not overcook! 

Once the almonds are done, place them into the food processor while they are still warm. Add the honey, if desired. 

Mix on high for 10 minutes, or until the butter is a nice smooth texture. If you prefer crunchy almond butter, reserve a handful of almonds, and throw them in the processor with the butter for the last 2 minutes. 

Scoop the almond butter into a clean container, and store in the fridge for up to 2 months.