Recipe- Try This Smooth Creamy Cashew Butter

Cashew butter may not get the same press as other nut butter like peanut, hazelnut, or almond, but it is no less enjoyable. Spicy, sweet, or plain, this butter has a creamy richness that you cannot help but love. It makes everything better, whether you put it on toast or add it to a stew. It is also remarkably easy to make. All you need are some cashews and some hardware. There are other good reasons to make it at home. Store brought butter is not just more expensive, it sometimes contains additives that you may not want, such as refined sugar.

It is a great option for vegans or those with dairy allergies. You can use it in place of regular butter or add it to give your stews, soups, or oatmeal an extra dose of richness. It also packs a host of benefits, thanks to its star ingredient, the cashew. Rich in calcium and essential minerals, it is good for your bones, muscles, nerves, and immune system.

Ingredients

2 cups raw cashews
1 tbsp coconut oil or grapeseed oil optional
1-2 tsp maple syrup, coconut sugar, cinnamon, or chili pepper optional

Method

* Spread the cashews evenly on a baking pan and roast them at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Make sure that they are evenly spread out over the pan and not crowding.

* Keep an eye on the nuts to make sure they don't turn dark and burn. The cashews should have a roasted, lightly golden brown color.

* Once roasted, take out the roasted cashews and let them cool down. This should take around 10-15 minutes.

* Put the cashews with your flavoring of choice in a food processor or high-powered blender and start grinding.

* After 5 minutes, scrape down the sides, let it cool for a minute, and then start grinding again. Run the machine at 5-minute intervals.

* You will see the texture of the nuts changing as you grind them. They will break down into a meal-like texture. Slowly it will start to clump together and thicken.

* As the texture thickens and starts to look closer to nut butter, you may think you're done.

* But let it go on for a few more minutes. We recommend adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or grapeseed oil at this stage.

* It will become smooth and creamy in a few minutes. Your cashew butter is ready! Scrape it out and store it in an airtight jar.