PEANUT BUTTER

HOME MADE PEANUT BUTTER

Peanut Butter is something readily available in stores. Why, one might ask, bother with preparing some at home..? Well, my reason is that I find it tastes better than the commercial product and I can control what I add in it. No preservatives either and it is more economical. It is so very easy to prepare and requires no cooking at all.

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups Roasted Peanuts (Unsalted)

1 or 2 Tbsp Peanut Oil (or any other vegetable oil - I used Olive Oil)

1 Tbsp Sweetener of your choice - Honey, Molasses, Corn Syrup, etc., (Optional)

A Little Salt (Optional)

METHOD

Place the peanuts in a food processor with chopping blade

Add 1 tablespoonful oil. Process for a couple of minutes

It will begin to clump together. Scrape it down the sides of the processing bowl. Process further for a minute more

If you want a smoother consistency, add the 2nd tablespoonful of oil at this stage. Add the salt if desired (I have used less than half a teaspoon of salt)

Add the sweetener if desired. I have used 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Process for a further couple of minutes until all well blended. Taste the peanut butter and add more sweetener or salt if so desired. At this stage, the peanut butter will be a little grainy. If you like it that way, then the peanut butter is ready

For a smoother and creamier consistency, transfer the peanut butter to a blender jug and blend until you have the desired consistency

Spoon or pour into an airtight container.  Since this is an extra smooth consistency, the peanut butter will be a little runny. Store in the refrigerator for a day or two so it can set to a lovely peanut butter paste.

If you like chunky peanut butter, set aside about 1/4 cup of peanuts  before chopping up the rest in the food processor. Toss the ones you have set aside, into the food processor only when the rest of peanuts are almost done and are smooth in consistency. Process them for a few more seconds to create the chunks.