Homemade Peanut Butter

(NC)—The perfect partner for jam and freshly baked bread, peanut butter is simply delicious and easy to make. For variation, add some honey, cinnamon or another flavour of your choice to this recipe. If in need of a quick energy boost before a long walk, hike or any other summer activity, choose a snack high in protein such as peanut butter and celery.

Ingredients

2 cups roasted shelled peanuts 500 mL
(with or without skins)
1 tbsp peanut oil 15 mL
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional) 125 mL
1/2 tsp salt (optional; omit if using salted peanuts) 2 mL

Method

Place ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. If necessary, stop machine and scrape sides of container with a rubber spatula. Continue to process until mixture becomes spreadable.

When desired consistency has been reached, stir in 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped roasted peanuts for crunchy-style peanut butter. Place mixture in a tightly closed container and store in the refrigerator. During storage, oil may rise to the top; if this occurs, stir before using. Makes 1 cup (250 mL) smooth or 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) crunchy peanut butter.

—Courtesy of the Peanut Bureau of Canada*

PER SERVING: (3 tablespoons, smooth): 366 calories; 13 g carbohydrates; 14 g protein; 32 g fat (73% of calories from fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 5 g fibre; 688 mg sodium

*The Peanut Bureau of Canada – www.peanutbureau.ca  - is the Canadian Information Office of the American Peanut Council.

- News Canada