Nut butters… are you as obsessed with them as me? Some people may be able to spoon chocolate spread out of the jar, but my weakness is good old peanut butter, although lately, almond and cashew are taking over! This is because alternative nut butters are well and truly trending and no longer are nut butters a singular nut, different flavour combos are now available.
So, when do you get your PB fix? Breakfast and snacks are my daily nut butter moments. I will add a spoonful to smoothies for a creamy nutty taste, stir it through porridge, or drizzle on top with some dried fruit and seeds for an Instagram worthy image. Later in the day, I will spread some on rice and corn cakes, banana slice and dates. I have even made my own hummus before and stirred through some nut butter.
The variety in store is growing every time I venture in; however, did you know you can make your own nut butter at home? This option means endless combinations; mix up your nuts and choose whatever flavours you fancy, like cinnamon, nutmeg, dried berries, vanilla, maple syrup. For those chocolate lovers, add in some cocoa powder!
All you need to do is throw your choice of nuts, raw or roasted, into a food processor and let it rip. 5 minutes later and it is still just a clump of blended nuts? Persevere! Each nut will take a different length of time to release its natural oils and create that spread we all know and love. It may take 5 minutes or 20, but eventually you will get that deliciously creamy nut butter!
Here are some of our favourite ‘nuts’ to use here at Vega:
- Sunflower Seeds: For that peanut AND nut-free option.
- Desiccated Coconut or Coconut Flakes: Rich, creamy, with a slightly sweet and nutty taste, coconut is another great peanut free alternative. These are also a great addition to any nut combo for that coconut flavour.
- Almonds: Mmmm, one of my personal absolute favourites… hide the spoon!
- Macadamia Nuts: When thinking about your nut butter choices this may not be on the top of your list to try, but it is definitely a winner!
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Hazelnuts: plus cocoa powder = chocolatey, hazelnutty heaven!
Tag us @VegaTeam_UK with your favourite nut butter combo!