Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter!

Holy COW guys. Holy cow. 


Image via Google Images.

I recently tried almond butter not too long ago and FELL in love. I can get a giant tub of it at Costco, but even then it is still really expensive (some of the jars are nearly $10?! Like what?!)

So, usually I stick with peanut butter (usually cheaper!).

However, one of my New Years GOALS  is to heal my gut. I have always had a really sensitive tummy, and recently things have only gotten worse. I don't want to spoil your dinner with too many details, but let's just say I have very bloated and I feel gross and tired!

I have thought about changing what I eat for a while now, but honestly, have been scared. Because I tend to not eat much meat, I rely on getting protein from beans most of the time, or grains. But... what if those things exactly are the causes of my troubles?

I am not for sure, but I am pretty positive that the reason I feel so AWFUL is due to my consumption of legumes (I think most grains, apart from those with gluten, are okay). Recently I discussed my thoughts with Abby from Yes To Yummy, who also follows a Paleo and Gluten Free lifestyle. She supported my decision to try cutting out legumes, and to also eliminate gluten from my diet.

Sadly, I have came to realize... PEANUTS are a legume. Not to mention, after research, they have all sorts of nasty toxins that could be another reason my tummy is so messed up. So looks like no more peanut butter for this girl!

So... what is a peanut butter LOVING girl to do without her drug precious jar of golden goodness?

Well, I will tell you what I just did. And what you, too, should do, unless you want to deprive your taste buds of pure, nut buttery HEAVEN.

I made homemade nut butter! In less then 25 minutes flat!!

It also costs less than most store bought brands. 

Again, Abby inspired me. I also peaked at a nut butter recipe from Heather at Heather Eats Almond Butter. Thank you guys!!

Roasted Cinnamon Almond Walnut Butter

6-8 oz mix of almonds and walnuts (I used more walnuts than almonds)
TBSP cinnamon (or to taste)
Pinch of sea salt

1) Line a baking sheet with foil and spread out your almonds and walnuts. Toss a bit of cinnamon on them, then bake them at 400 for 15 minutes. I tossed them around twice to make sure they didn't burn.

I can hardly wait for the result.

2) If you can hold back from eating the tray (because this stuff smells GOOD), take the nuts from the oven and transfer them all into a food processor.

3) Put on the lid and blend!! I have heard of this process taking up to 15 minutes, but for me, it seriously all blended smooth in 3-5 minutes.

It is going to look flaky at first. You will have to take the lid off a few times and push the grainy stuff back down to blend again.

Add in your cinnamon and salt when you feel it is almost blended!

And there you have it folks! Seriously, as easy as that. You can transfer it over to another container or just eat it all at once after you blend it. 

Just kidding. Not really. 

I don't think I have lived until I made this. Is this why all you Paleo nut butter lovers seem so happy? Hmm. Things are beginning to make sense...

I will keep you updated on how my new approach to food choices goes. Until then, stay tuned and eat almond butter! <3

Do you have experience with healing you gut? 
Have you had success cutting out legumes/gluten from your diet?
What is your favorite kind of nut butter?

Natalie 

Why is Peanut Butter So ADDICTING?

Scratch that. Why is almond butter cashew butter walnut butter any flipping type of nut butter addicting?
Well, lets look at the facts here...

Nut butters are high in healthy fats, particularly the heart healthy mono saturated fats. Eating these fats have been linked to weight loss and a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Healthy fats in general are used to help our bodies absorb vitamins!

They serve as an excellent source of protein, great for anyone regardless if they eat meat or not. This goes to show that it IS possible to sustain a healthy, balanced diet WITHOUT the consumption of animal...a serving of peanut butter has up to 8 grams of protein!

They contain antioxidants. Roasted peanut butter in particular has over 22% more antioxidants than uncooked, and the same amount of substances that protect your cells as strawberries!

Could the reason so many find their selves drooling over the thought of this sticky stuff be due to the fact of a nutritional deficiency? Studies have shown that the body tends to crave food that contains a source it is lacking.

Whatever the reason, all I know is that I LOVE nut butters. I have yet to find something that they DON'T taste good with...

Example being:

Peanut butter and Jicama. Yeah, that just happened.

I mean, it wasn't THAT far of a stretch really... if you never have had a Jicama before, its slightly sweet and crunchy. Not so far from an apple, right?

Hey, don't judge until you've tried it. 

I don't always have to feel so weird when I form odd peanut butter combinations, because my best friend, Taylor, also has an undying passion for the stuff! Here are a few combos to check out if you haven't already, and I promise you won't be disappointed, no matter which nut butter you choose!

Sweet potato and nut butter
Oatmeal and nut butter
Frozen bananas and nut butter
Soup made with nut butter 
Ezekiel bread with nut butter
Carrots with nut butter
Healthy baked goods with nut butter  
And, ahem, Jicama and nut butter.

If I develop a peanut allergy any time soon, I think I really am going to be in trouble. I better go knock on my wooden kitchen table now, just to ensure that NEVER happens. Ever.

So, what do you think is the reason nut butters are so addicting? What is YOUR favorite kind, and how do you enjoy it?

Feel free to share recipes !

Natalie