The Case for Almond Butter

Due to some recent recalls on peanuts, there has been some rising tension surrounding the ingredient. Peanut butter is still available on store shelves, since the recall was targeting mainly commercial sources, but why not play around with some alternatives. Here are some great ways to have fun with recalls. Who knows, this very well may become the golden age of almond butter.

Never heard of almond butter? It is often pegged as one of those ingredients with a members only jacket from Whole Foods and other like markets, but it is often hiding in the "health foods" areas of major grocery stores (including Marsh and Kroger). It can come in roasted and raw, creamy or crunchy and salted and unsalted. It makes a great option for those looking for more vitamin E and A than peanut butter, not to mention great for those with peanut allergies, because it goes into old favorites with the same great tasting results.

Some important things to remember about most almond butters are similar the differences between regular and natural peanut butters. It may seem like there is a layer of oil on the top; stirring is essential to proper texture. It has a thicker texture, and the "mouthfeel" if you will is a lot stickier. The flavor, however, is so much richer. And just because it might seem more mature, that doesn't mean that one must stop eating all the childhood peanut butter favorites. Go ahead, head out and grab some almond butter - whichever one sounds good. Don't forget the celery and raisins for ants on a log or some good preserves for a shake up on an all-time staple (think: AB & J). It won't take long until a fork marks the top of an... almond butter cookie.

Here is a great on-the-go breakfast. Whether eaten at a desk, in a car, or on a bike, enjoy this super simple treat, perfect for rolling out of bed and going to class.

Banana Dogs

Ingredients:

Hot dog bun (whole wheat are great)

Banana

Almond butter

Honey (optional)

The preparation really isn't worth a step by step instruction. Think hot dog, with a banana instead. Spread the almond butter on each side (a thin layer will do) and a drizzle of honey down the center for some extra sweetness. A total one-handed delicious no brainer.

>Good Tip! When working with almond butter, spooning it out into a recipe is often hard because it sticks to spoons and other utensils. A quick spray of cooking spray makes it very easy, and this works with honey and lots of other gooey ingredients.

>While this blog represents a clear favor for almond butter, peanut butter will not fade because of a commercial food scare. Safe eating is good eating, so in that spirit there is a list of all recalled peanut products from the Food and Drug Administration.