Friday Food Love: Homemade Almond Butter and Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

The last few years I have really embraced almonds.  Here are a couple of my favorites to do at home with them.

Homemade Almond Butter and Chocolate Almond Butter Cups:

This one could not be simpler and homemade almond butter is one of the best things EVER!  Nothing like the crap you buy at the store.  Throw the almonds in the food processor and blend.  No measurements at all.  Just fill it with as many almonds as it can easily handle.  Blend until almonds have butter consistency.  In my food processor, that takes almost 20 minutes.  You will see the almonds go through a number of phases before they become the desired product.  Just keep waiting... It will happen.  At the end the almond butter will likely be warm from the process...its amazing! Here are step by step photos of the process.

You might have to stop to scrape the edges.

Just another minute and it will be...

PERFECT!

You can use the finished product for apples OR you can make these awesome...

Chocolate Almond Butter Cups: 

1/2 c. organic coconut oil
1/2 c. raw cacao powder
1/2 c. almond butter
1/4 c. raw honey (you could try maple syrup, but I haven't yet)
1/2 tsp vanilla

Melt/soften coconut oil in medium microwave safe mixing bowl.  Add all ingredients to melted coconut oil.  Mix thoroughly until smooth.  Pour into silicone muffin cups filling about 1/4 to 1/2 way.  Refrigerate or freeze until firm.  ENJOY!  Store in fridge or freezer.

Perfect healthier alternative for sweet cravings.

Happy Eating!