Edible Paradise

With a new crop of almonds plentiful at the farmers market this time of year, you can quickly and easily make delicious homemade almond butter using your food processor. Almonds are a rich source of protein and vitamin E. Almond butter can be used like peanut butter on sandwiches or in baking or cooking. And when you make almond butter at home, you can control the salt content.

Almond Butter

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whole natural almonds, roasted
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons almond or vegetable oil

METHOD:

To roast almonds, spread in an ungreased baking pan. Place in a 350ºF oven and bake 7 to 10 minutes or until almonds are fragrant; stir once or twice to assure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to roast slightly after removing from oven.

In food processor with metal blade in place, grind almonds and salt until fine. While running, slowly add oil in a steady stream until mixture is spreadable.