Hubby Tony and I are trying to eat healthier. As part of that commitment I'm taking a close look at everything in the pantry. For example, the store-brand peanut butter I buy tastes good, but the second ingredient (after peanuts) is sugar. It also has hydrogenated vegetable oils. I've also recently learned that peanuts aren't as nutritious as other types of nuts, so I figured we could do better.
Last year I made almond butter, but it was a lot of work. We were doing the grocery shopping today, and one of our stops was Whole Foods. I remembered they had machines in the bulk department where you could make your own nut butters. I've always walked past them, but today I stopped and ground my own.
There were three different grinders arranged in a row on a counter across from the bulk bins. Each had a clear reservoir that held nuts, a nozzle coming out of the bottom of the machine, and an on/off switch to the left of the nozzle. Underneath the machines was a shelf with plastic containers and lids.
I chose the center machine, which contained almonds. It was a lot of fun to use. I turned it on, and a heavy stream of ground almonds came out of the nozzle like soft-serve ice cream. As it fell into the container, I noticed that the texture wasn't as smooth as my store-bought variety. I scooped up a little bit with my finger and tasted it. It was a little grainy, and without ANY added ingredients, a little bland!
Over the last few months I've started eating my peanut butter without jelly. Until I get used to this new nut butter I might have to add a smear of preserves or a little honey to my next few sandwiches.
I've made peanut butter. It was good, but a lot of work. I eat my peanut butter with an apple. As in, apple quarters spread with peanut butter for lunch. I will check out our whole food stores for nut grinders. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteYou cooked? Who knew :-)
DeleteSpreading butter on an apple sounds like a good substitute for bread. I'll have to try it.
How awesome to be making your own food items.
ReplyDeleteI saw a recipe for edamame hummus that I want to try since it costs so much to buy it prepared, yet you can buy edamame in the stores for so cheap.
I make hummus on a regular basis. I eat edamame a couple of times a week. Never thought to put the two of them together, though.
DeleteI've bought almond butter from Costco and didn't like it for that 'bland' reason, it needs stuff added to perk up the taste! Also if you grind it yourself, the shelf life is likely not for long, unless you keep it in the fridge.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't make that much, so I think it will be gone quickly, but we DID store it in the refrigerator.
DeleteWhen I was in high school, the cooks mixed honey with the peanut butter for our sandwiches. If you like honey, I bet it would be delicious in almond butter.
ReplyDeleteI had toast with almond butter, ground flax seed, and honey for breakfast. Put on too much honey, though, and it was too sweet.
DeleteHere is how I like almond butter--spread it on multigrain bread (which I buy at Whole Foods), and slice a pear onto the butter. You can eat it open faced, or put on another slice of bread.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds yummy!
Delete