Peanut Butter

Sugar, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Soybean Oil, Molasses...

These are a few of the ingredients sitting before me as I read the ingredients of a store bought peanut butter.  At least it also listed Peanuts, but isn't peanut butter supposed to be... just made from peanuts?  And this was one of the better brands that used Sugar and not HF Corn Syrup.

This isn't so much a recipe but a post to show how easy it is to make your own peanut butter with....PEANUTS.  That's all.  No ingredient list here, just Peanuts.  You want about 2 pounds (4 Cups) of dry roasted Organic peanuts, unsalted.  I buy mine at a local grocery that stores them in 2 cup bags in the refrigerated section for about $2.50 a bag.

Toss the peanuts into a food processor or high speed blender.  The Vitamix does an amazing job making a super creamy butter in about 2 minutes.  Start at a low speed and gradually increase.  Use a damper to continually press the peanuts down into the blades.  When no whole peanuts are visible and the butter starts to get creamy you can:

A.  Stop here for a crunchy peanut butter

B.  Lower the speed slightly and continue to blend until smooth.

Transfer into Mason Jars.  This made about 1.5 pints.  Store refrigerated or in a cupboard.  Storing in the cupboard will require mixing the peanut butter before use as the oil may separate however this yields the best flavor.  This can also be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.

Not only does this only contain a natural and organic single ingredient but it tastes amazing.  In fact for 'dinner' tonight I had a good ole Peanut butter sandwich and it couldn't have been better!

The same process can be used with other nuts like cashews or even hazelnuts!