Vanilla Almond Butter

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenVanilla Almond Butter

Skill Level	Easy

Preparation Time	10	Total Time	10
Servings	33 (1 tbsp)	Cost Per Serving	0.18

2 cups	Almonds
1 tsp	Pure Vanilla Extract or 1 Vanilla Pod

Place almonds in a food processor and blend until almonds turn into a ground flour-like form. Stop and scrape down the sides every once and a while. Continue to blend, scraping sides when needed. Almonds will turn into a smooth paste with a creamy, butter-like consistency after about 5 minutes.
When almonds have reached a smooth, creamy consistency, stir in vanilla. If you are using a vanilla pod, slice in half and use the back of your knife to scrap out the seeds. Add the seeds to the almond butter.

PDF link to nutrition facts table for Vanilla Almond Butter.

Healthy eating guidelines for cancer survivors and for cancer prevention recommend reducing meat intake and choosing vegetarian protein sources such as nuts more often. People with chewing and swallowing difficulties may find it challenging to include nuts in the diet. This smoothie offers a way to enjoy the benefits of nuts and is a good source of vegetarian protein.
Almonds are rich in calcium and vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. A small handful of almonds contains the same amount of healthy plant chemicals as a cup of green tea.
Snacking on almonds instead of snacks with more carbohydrates while trying to lose weight reduced weight, waist circumference and blood pressure. Consuming 1.5 ounces of nuts per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat has also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.