Homemade Almond Butter

First of all, if you haven't tasted almond butter before, you should try it. It's delicious! I've always avoided buying it at the store because it costs about 3 or 4 times what a good quality peanut butter costs. So, one day I looked up how to make it and realized how simple it is to do at home. I buy my almonds by the pound at Drug Emporium (of all places). This recipe uses about half of the package, so the end result costs me $2.50 at most, probably a little less than that. Here's the process:

Step 1: Roast 2 cups of raw almonds in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Let the almonds cool to room temperature. I shake mine around in a colander for a while.

Step 3: Put the almonds in a food processor and let it work for a long time. Have some oil (I use canola) and salt ready to add in later.

After a few minutes it will look like the 1st picture-- coarse sand. Let it keep going and the nuts will release their oils and form a ball (2nd pic). At that point, I add about a teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt. You can add as much as you want. Some people even add sugar too. It depends on what you like. Let the processor work until it gets to a smooth consistency (3rd pic).

Step 4: Put the almond butter in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Use it like you would any peanut butter. Yummy (and good for you too)!