Makes: About 1 cup
Time: 15 minutes
It’s incredibly simple to make nut butter at home, and roasting the nuts first in the oven enhances their flavors. Try this with any nut you like and eat it straight from the jar or incorporate it into your baking.
1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly browned and fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Let the nuts cool slightly, then transfer them to a food processor. Add the salt and grind the nuts until they are the consistency of coarse meal. Add 2 tablespoons water and process until creamy, 1 or 2 minutes. Add more water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
RICHER ROASTED NUT BUTTER For a bit more oomph, use softened butter instead of water.
ROASTED NUT AND HONEY BUTTER A touch of sweetness goes a long way: Add 2 tablespoons honey to the food processor with the water.
SPICED NUT BUTTER An extra hit of flavor that goes equally well with the classic version or to offset the honey variation: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon along with the salt.