My favourite kind of Butter!

Take a look and see what I have to say about my LOVE for nut butters and what I use in my kitchen!

 

Since the term butter can be applied to more than just a creamed milk substance – but to anything that is thick, creamy and loaded with nutrients – I will share what kind of “butters” are my favourites!

These butters come from nuts and seeds and other plant varieties. When you take a nut or a seed and grind it down or blend it into a puree – you will get a thick, sticky substance that makes an excellent substitute for traditional butter and even peanut butter!

(The reason why I am not a fan of peanut butters is because there are so many allergies associated with it. Peanuts also often are grown where there is more a chance for certain toxin’s and molds to grow with it. And lastly peanuts – are actually not a NUT they are legume, grown from the ground and not a tree like most other nuts. But that being said, there are so many delicious and nutritious alternatives.)

It’s easy enough to make your own blends at home by grabbing at least a cups worth of nuts – let’s say almonds – placing them in your food processor and leaving it on for about 3-5 minutes. The oils will start to separate and you will get a smooth paste soon enough. If you don’t quite have the time or means to make your own then support companies that go out of their way to make them for us.

There are quite a few companies that I use to support my love for nut butters

Sun Butter – the best sunflower seed butter (tastes like peanut butter)

Blue Mountain Organics – better than roasted seed and nut butters (raw natural butters)

Then there is also Artisana which is a company that has put true love and care into the quality of their butters. They have a variety from nut based butters from almond and walnut to cocoa, coconut and tahini (sesame seed) butters. They use only organically sourced nuts. Which is extremely important. Since nuts are fat soluble, if they are not organic they usually carry with them toxins and other residues that can absorb within the nut. You can truly taste this purity in their products.

There is something (hopefully) for everyone. Since I love their packaging and product philosophy I have been so genoursoulsy given a whole batch of their wonderul products and now I want to give some away to you!

You can get more delicious knowledge by checking out Marni’s Cleansing with Superfoodse-book, available here: http://www.marniwasserman.com/ebooks/

Tell me why you love seed or nut butters?

What do you put your “butter” on?

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All in one Super Bowl!

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up fast. Although I don’t participate in any part of this event – I can offer some assistance as to how this night can be made that much healthier. We know this is the biggest day for business for fast foods, delivered foods and processed over sugared and over salted snacks. But wouldn’t it just be easier to make your own, to serve and have something healthy to munch on? If your man will be in another room watching the game, take it upon yourself to supply your home or his party with some healthy all in one bowl snacks!

Here are some suggestions:

Make a Trail Mix – (recipe below)

Kale Chips – make at least 4 batches or more. They will win over any “sour cream n’ onion” chip lover, anyday!

Guacamole – with some homemade corn tortilla’s

White Bean Dip – with some crispy crackers

Salsa – with corn chips

Coco Bliss Balls – because they look and taste better than Timbits! I promise

Super Bowl of Trail Mix

1 cup almonds – heart healthy

1 cup cashews – makes you happy, who doesn’t love a cashew

1 cup pumpkin seeds (loaded with zinc – great for prostate health) may as well take advantage while a whole bunch of men will be eating them!!

1 cup raisins or Goji Berries (or both) – some natural sweetness, fiber and antioxidants

1/2 cup hemp seeds – omega rich healthy fats

1 cup cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips – it’s not complete without some chocolate

1 cup coconut flakes – added texture, flavour and crunch

1/4 tsp sea salt – (optional) to balance out the flavours

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl and serve. Refill when done!

Got other ideas?

What are you planning on having at your party?

Better than Timbits!

Of course these are better than timbits, because they are not even food. So really there is no comparison. (For those of you that don’t live in Canada – Timbits are donut holes!) I really should have titled this post “GREAT Balls of Bliss” – because the second you let one of these little gems break apart and melt into your mouth, there is no turning back-you are in bliss. But don’t have too many or you will be left with a tummy ache. Each little ball is so power packed full of nutrition – that you only need one or two to satisfy that sweet tooth or give you that much needed burst of energy. Just in case you didn’t know, timbits or donuts only do the opposite – they make you tired and sluggish – not to mention there isn’t one useful calorie in a donut. As they are filled with empty calories – meaning they contain refined white flour and white sugar and usually some low quality oils. Just for the record each “Bliss” ball is loaded with calcium, protein, fibre, iron, b vitamins, healthy fats and give you long lasting energy and make you feel great! So why not make something that looks just like it, is better for you and has a taste that is out of this world? Really there is not reason not to!

These little guys are so easy to make that all you need a food processor and some basic ingredients. What is also so much fun about making these, is that they are simple and they are not baked or heated. You can also sub in other ingredients and get creative every time you make them. If you or your child has nut allergies, you can use a seed based butter instead of almond butter or just just use pureed dates or figs. You also have the option of putting in all kinds of super foods like goji berries, spirulina powder, raw cacao etc… or you can just keep it to the basics like I did.

Chocolate Coconut-Almond Bliss Balls

3/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup tahini
1/2 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup oat bran
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1 cup coconut flakes

Procedure:

1. Add nut butter, tahini, and maple syrup to a bowl or food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Add sesame seeds, cocoa powder, oat bran and quinoa flakes and blend until mixture becomes like dough.
3. Scrape down sides of food processor as necessary. Spread coconut on a plate.
4. Rolled mixture into 1-inch balls and rolls in shredded coconut.
5. Cover and store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.