Peanut butter is a food you can easily prepare in your kitchen without breaking the bank. Homemade is healthier than commercial products and is free of preservatives. If you've managed to find a good amount of peanuts at an affordable price, then you can make your own cream, saving money and customizing the flavor.
Ingrediants
- 400 g of peanuts.
- 7ml peanut oil or other vegetable oil (optional).
- 1/2 tablespoon of sugar (optional).
- 7ml molasses, honey or 10g brown sugar (optional).
- Pinch of salt (optional).
Recipe for about 350ml of peanut butter
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Make Peanut Butter
Step 1. Prepare the peanuts
Before turning them into butter, you need to rinse them under cold running water to get rid of any dirt. You can pat them dry. If they are still in the shell, you will have to remove them by hand, one by one and the operation is easier if the peanuts are dry. They do not need to be perfectly shelled.
If you are using freshly unshelled peanuts, choose the Valencia or Virginia variety. If you plan to toast them, the Spanish ones are fine because they have a higher oil content
Step 2. Roast the peanuts (optional)
Some people prefer to roast them before processing to make them more crunchy and flavorful. However, this is an entirely optional step which makes the whole process a little longer. The choice is yours alone; if you prefer, buy some pre-roasted peanuts. If you decide to roast them yourself, here's how:
- Place the peanuts in a bowl and lightly grease them with peanut oil or another vegetable oil.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange the peanuts on a baking sheet so they don't overlap. Make sure they form a single layer or they will cook unevenly.
- Cook them for about 10 minutes, until golden.
- If you want, you can shake the pan every two minutes to make sure the peanuts don't burn.
Step 3. Process the peanuts in the blender until chopped
Only a few pulses will be needed. For best results, proceed while the peanuts are still hot.
Step 4. Blend the peanuts for one minute
Their texture will begin to become creamy and more like butter.
Step 5. If necessary, scrape the peanuts off the sides of the blender bowl and bring them to the blades
Continue to work the mixture for another minute, proceed this way until you get the consistency you want. Three minutes maximum should be enough.
Remember that homemade peanut butter will never have the creamy look of commercial ones. This is because it is natural and contains no added fat, however it will be delicious
Step 6. When done, transfer the butter to a bowl, scraping it off the edges of the blender
Help yourself with a large spoon for this operation.
Step 7. Add salt or sugar to taste
Taste the butter and consider adding more salt or sugar. If you like the natural flavor as it is there is no need for other additions!
Step 8. Add small amounts of brown sugar, molasses, or honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor
Some blend these ingredients with peanuts to obtain a homogeneous product; it all depends on the model of your appliance, not all are able to work well with honey, sugar or molasses.
If you have decided to add these ingredients by hand, then mix them carefully to incorporate them
Step 9. Pour the butter into an airtight container
Keep it in the fridge for a day or two so it can stabilize and become the tasty peanut cream you love. Remember that the life of a homemade product is definitely shortened, as there are no preservatives, but it will most likely end before it even spoils!
You can keep this preparation in the refrigerator for a few weeks
Part 2 of 2: Using Peanut Butter in Recipes
Step 1. Make a jam and peanut butter sandwich
What better use than the classic snack sandwich? You can follow the traditional recipe to the letter or dare some tasty variations.
Step 2. Cook the cookies
This simple and mouth-watering recipe requires only peanut butter, flour, sugar, and a few other ingredients. They are even better when enjoyed with a glass of milk!
Step 3. Butter balls
If you want a rich and irresistible delight that you can eat in one bite, then this recipe is for you. All you need is peanut butter, powdered sugar, chunks of chocolate, and little else.
Step 4. Filled chocolates
If you want special chocolates, you've found them! All you need is chocolate, peanut butter and molds.
Step 5. Make soup
Who said peanut butter is only good for desserts? You can cook this amazing soup with milk, cinnamon and your own tasty butter.
Step 6. Tartlets with Oreo and peanut butter.
This delicious and creative dessert calls for peanut butter, Oreo cookies, flour, and a few key ingredients.
Advice
- Try not to add any type of oil to your peanut butter. The original and natural one contains nothing but peanuts and is healthier, more genuine and rich in proteins.
- If when you eat peanut butter you love to feel the bits of peanut in your mouth, keep a few whole and pour them into the blender only in the last few seconds of preparation.
- If you don't want peanut oil to separate from butter, use an oil with a solid consistency at room temperature, such as palm, coconut, or cocoa butter.
- If it's too salty, add more sugar or honey.
