Part of being an expat is that you miss certain comforts from home. Trader Joe’s is one of those comforts I dearly miss, that place is my food heaven. I love nut butters and Trader Joe’s Almond Butter is the jam, I dream about it all the time.

While searching the stores in Iceland I have only found almond butter once or twice with the price tag of $15 or more for a tiny jar, ya not happening. Enter in a food processor for Christmas and I am back in almond butter business.

This is such a simple recipe with just one star ingredient and an endless variety of versions depending on what you want to add in. I prefer just plain almond butter but it is easy to add in whatever you would like when the almonds are blending. For my batch this was what I did.

Place 2 cups of raw almonds on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes to give them a bit of a roasted taste and to speed up the blending process.

Once the almonds are out of the oven put them straight into the food processor while they are still warm. In the food processor use your S blade to blend the almonds.

Now all that is left to do is be patient and wait. It can vary depending on how large of a batch you are making and how powerful your food processor is but I promise even when it seems hopeless the almonds will magically turn into a creamy delicious butter.

After about 10 minutes the almonds go from a fine powder to a thicker dough type shown in the top right picture.

Another 5 minutes and the almonds turn into a thick crumbly dough shown on the bottom right picture

Once you see this smooth consistency you know your almond butter is ready to enjoy.

I love using my almond butter with my morning oatmeal, with a banana for a snack, or just straight from the jar, either way its delicious and full of healthy fats that will keep you full.

I hope you enjoy this simple recipe as much as I do. If you feel like experimenting try adding in some maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, or whatever creative creation may come to mind. Enjoy and get your snack on!

Question of the Day?
Are you a nut butter fan? If yes what kind, peanut, almond, cashew??