Peanut Butter: A Story of Unconditional Love
Peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter and honey. Peanut butter and apple. Peanut butter and banana. Peanut butter and chocolate. Peanut butter and spoon. Peanut butter and more peanut butter. These are just a few of the delightful flavor combinations of the favorite food of everyone in this house that isn't named Kendra. If I were trapped on a desert island and I could only eat one food for all of the rest of my days it would be this majestic nutty spread, hands down. Burrito, Stevie, and Marvin all agree with me - they know what's good. Arachibutyrophobia be damned. I will just crack me open a coconut and drink from that.
For all those with peanut allergies, I am deeply sorry. PB is my main food group and my life would be a cold and empty place without it. I liked it as a kid, but I'm pretty sure my obsession began in college, when I couldn't afford to eat anything else. In case you couldn't tell, this is a recipe for homemade peanut butter, but you can substitute whatever other nut or seed is your flavor.
If you wish to roast your own peanuts, just roast them in their shells for 30-40 minutes at 350 with a tablespoon of peanut oil and a smattering of salt. If you just want to purchase them roasted from your local grocery store, go for it. We're all busy folks and have actual lives and families to deal with, so there will be no judgment coming from over here.
First, take 15 oz. of peanuts (or other nut or seed of your choosing) and put them in the bowl of your food processor with 1 teaspoon of salt (or not). Grind those things up for a minute or two and then scrape the sides of the bowl. Next, add in one and half tablespoons of peanut oil, and if you're going to add honey or maple, do that now. I'd only start with a tablespoon of sweetener, but really it's all up to you. Process for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired consistency. Boom! Homeground nut butter in less than 10 minutes and with minimal effort.
NOTES FROM A PEANUT BUTTER FIEND
Feel free to add in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutella, sriracha (doooo itttttt), or whatever your favorite augmentation might be. You can add those in with the oil.
Peanut butter tends to need a little bit more oil than almond, cashew, sunflower, or macadamia nuts. Start out with one tablespoon for those. You can always add more as it processes, if you desire.
Honestly, the price comparison between making your own organic peanut butter and purchasing a jar of it at the store is pretty much the same. You might save about a quarter making it at home, but you won't be making it rain with all the cash you're saving. It really does taste much better, though, in my opinion, and you can tailor it to whatever suits your mood that day.