Peanut butter is a yummy spread which is filling and nutritious, a favorite with children of all ages. But did you know that you can make nut spreads from other nuts, like cashews and almonds too? These and more can be easily made at home, for healthier eating than the commercially produced item.

Peanuts are the best nut for the job and used the most because they are naturally very oily, meaning they mix well once crushed and spread nice and easily. To make your own peanut butter all you need is fresh or very lightly toasted peanuts (get them from any shop in bags, or by the pound in health food stores) and some way of crushing them. An upright blender can work quite well, and so can stick mixers or food processors, and so can masticating juicer machines (yes, some fruit and vegetable juicers can do this – read on!).

If using a blender or food processor, just pour your nuts in and blend in short bursts. You may have to stop and use a wooden or plastic spoon to scrape off the sides of the mixer once or twice, but that’s all there is to it! You decide whether you want smooth or crunchy butter. If the peanut mixture looks and feels very dry, you can do what commercial processors do and add a bit of vegetable oil (if you look on the jars, the ingredients always list oil). Just a teaspoon blended in will make it nice and buttery.

If using a juicer (remember – it has to be the slow speed type referred to a masticating juicer, and not a high speed model, like many kitchens or juice bars use) it is as simple as setting the machine to the correct mode, and pouring loose nuts down the juicer chute. Children can safely enjoy making nut butters with a machine like this, and actually love watching hard, dry nuts become a delicious spread. If you want to use cashews or other nuts, do exactly the same thing. You may find however that you need more oil for these drier nuts, and don’t forget to add a pinch of salt, unless you prefer the taste on the bland side.

Alloy made masticating juicers offer great alternatives to purchasing over-sugared store juices. For other great recipe ideas visit the Crock Pot Living home page and see what others are learning about living the slow-cookin’ lifestyle…

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