Making my own nut butter is something I resisted for the longest time. I chalked it up to needing a high-speed blender. I settled on just buying peanut butter, free of any added oils or sugars. Then, Rachel proved me wrong and inspired me to give it a try. Then I put it off for two months, regardless of the fact that a month after reading her post, I did get a high-speed blender. Finally, I was out of excuses and tired of my laziness resisting.
This started out with the intentions of being raw cashew butter. The cashews blended into butter so quickly and with such ease, however, I had to add more. So macadamia nuts went in. And hemp seeds. And then, because I figured that since hemp seeds were a super food, why not add another and make it extra super? So the maca powder went in.
I've discussed before why hemp seeds and maca powder are so good for you, so I was thrilled to combine their super-healthfulness with the super-creaminess of the cashews and the super-butteriness of the macadamia nuts. This nut butter is so rich and creamy, full of nuttiness with a slight trace of something sweet. I started using it for everything. Crackers, toast, spoonfuls straight to my mouth, and fruit- this nut butter just makes everything so much better.
My favorite way to use my new BFF favorite butter is on my Super N(ut)B(utter)&J Toast. It combines the Cashew Maca-Maca Butter with Blackberry Chia Spread with a sprinkling of goji berries and hemp seeds. Since I am a grazer (I eat breakfast and dinner, but my lunch is actually about 2-4 different snacks spread throughout the day), this toast is usually my late morning snack. It is so simple, I can't justify an entire recipe, but I'll show you how via pictures!
SUPER NB&J TOAST
If you already make your own nut butter, I think you are probably far less lazy than me should give this combo a try. If you don't, then you need to get on this. Don't resist it like I did. You're missing out. Make some nut butter now.
CASHEW MACA-MACA BUTTER
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup raw macadamia nuts
- ½ cup hemp seeds
- 1-2 T maca powder (optional)
Instructions:
- In a high-powered blender, combine the cashews, macadamia nuts, and hemp seeds. Blend until creamy. You will likely need to scrape the sides occasionally. If
you are using a Vitamix, you can use your tamper to assist with the blending.
- Once the nuts and seeds are creamy, add the maca powder and blend until incorporated. This will give it a slightly thicker, slightly drier texture, which I like, but if you want your nut butter to be extremely creamy, leave it out.
- Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place. It does not need to be refrigerated. Enjoy!
All Photos taken by Chris Miller
© Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (content and images) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Caitlin
i LOVE making my own nut butter! last summer/fall i decided to try it and i couldn't believe how easy it was and how much more delicious it tastes than storebought. recently, i was in a pinch and had to purchase almond butter. i think it tastes disgusting! mine is a BILLION times better 😉
keepinitkind
I'm sure your almond butter is a TRILLION times better than any store-bought variety (and way less expensive!). I'm so happy I finally got around to doing it. 🙂
Annie
It is possible to go nut-butter-crazy, but I haven't figured out the downside yet ;-).
keepinitkind
I can't imagine that there would be a downside... 🙂
Heather
I am a total grazer too - this nut butter looks so easy and amazing, I was under the impression that I needed a highspeed blender as well - but just maybe I will give this a shot in my processor and see how it goes!
Thanks for another great post and inspiration 🙂
keepinitkind
Yes! Do try it in your processor and let me know how it goes! It is just too easy and too delicious not to try it! 🙂
Rachel in Veganland
Oh hooray you! This combination sounds delightful and I am so flattered to have inspired your nut butter making!!
keepinitkind
Thank you so much for
getting my butt in gearinspiring me!Cadry
This sounds WONDERFUL! You're so right that making your own nut butter tastes the best. Plus, it doesn't separate, which can be a big hindrance to using natural peanut butter to some people. (Although I never understand it. I didn't think that stirring was that big of a deal.)
I know what you mean about standing in the way of trying something new sometimes. That's the way that I am with stuffed grape leaves. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a jar of grape leaves, only to have them squander in the cupboard for the longest time, until I move somewhere and/or wonder if they could possibly still be good. Plus, the dolmas at the grocery store are very good, and right there, and already done! Still, I know it would make me feel good to make my own.
keepinitkind
I never thought stirring was that big of a deal, either. It reminds me of those commercials put out by the dairy industry against soy milk- showing that it's just not worth drinking soy milk since you have to shake it. "Ugh! I need the hydrogenated-oil-laden peanut butter. All of this stirring will be the death of me." 😉
I've never tried making dolmas either. That's another one that's always been intimidating. If you give it a try, you have to report back and let me know how it was!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Oh I love this! I love throwing maca in recipes- I have a recipe for maca hemp milk that I love, so I can't imagine not liking this! Brilliant Kristy 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
P.S. Did I say "love" too much? 😉
keepinitkind
Maca Hemp milk! Now, that's brilliance! My next venture is nut/seed milks, so you know I'll be trying that! 🙂
P.S. I don't think it's possible to say "love" too much.
Shira
This is making me SO hungry! Hands down my two favorite nute IN THE WORLD. Macadamia nuts top my list (I buy them once a year farm direct from Hawaii only) - this looks so amazing Kristy!!! And the Maca and hemp hearts - awesome, just wonderful!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Shira! Can you believe that we didn't have any macadamia nuts while in Hawaii?!?! We bought a bag from a farmer's market before flying out and we were kicking ourselves for not buying more. I bet your macadamias are to die for! 🙂
erinwyso
This looks great and reminds me that I need to make my own nut butter more often! I am a grazer too -- I hate the concept of "mealtime" -- I'd rather just graze/eat when I'm hungry rather than because "it's time to."
keepinitkind
Thanks, Erin! I'm glad to know I'm not the only grazer out there! Yay! 🙂
Somer
Um, I've been using my food processor to make nut butter. It takes about 10 years to come together. I didn't know my blendtec could do the duty. Intrigued.
Your blend looks awesome, and of course I have everything in my pantry to make it! And of course I also have goji berries, hemp seeds and my own chia jam. Woot Woot. Sandwiches for lunch!
keepinitkind
Awesome! I hope you like the butter and the sandwich! 🙂
Bridget Besoner
this looks divine! I love maca, hemp, chia, and goji berries, incredible combinations. I will have to make this nut butter soon, hopefully my food processor can handle it 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Bridget! There is just something about such nutrient dense foods that leave me with a little bit of a euphoric high. I love it! Good luck with your food processor! 🙂
Julie
Just found this and you through Pinterest! I just made this nut butter, was a first for me and I love it!! Thank you for posting!
keepinitkind
Yay! That makes me so happy! Thank you for sharing, Julie! 🙂
daula
What type of blender do you use?
keepinitkind
I use a Vitamix, but this can also be made in a good food processor. I've made it in my cuisinart FP as well. 🙂