Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How to Make Peanut Butter

Back in November, news stations around the country were warning that peanut butter prices would skyrocket due to droughts and poor growing conditions in the areas of the country where peanuts are grown. That same week, my local grocery store had a 10 for $10 sale on 14 ounce bags of dry roasted (and salted) shelled peanuts. JACKPOT!

Making peanut butter is super easy and is a great way to save money....especially if you can find dry roasted peanuts on sale. You also have maximum control over what goes into it...you can do salt or no salt, honey or agave or no sweetener at all!

Following this recipe, I made 16 ounces of peanut butter for approx $1.25. Even the super cheap, preservative laden peanut butter is $3 for 16 ounces. You will save even more if your family is used to buying Adams or another premium natural peanut butter.


Ingredients
  • 14 ounces (by weight) roasted shelled peanuts*
  • 2 Tbsp pressed coconut oil
  • Agave syrup or honey to taste (optional)
  • Sea salt (optional, though you will probably want a bit if using unsalted peanuts)
*Either salted or unsalted will work. Unsalted gives you maximum control over the salt content. I just use whichever kind is on sale
Yields 16 ounces (by volume) of peanut butter
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How to Make Peanut Butter

Pour the peanuts into your food processor


Lock the lid and process on high approximately 2 minutes


It may start to look gritty...like finely chopped peanuts


Keep Going


Check your peanut butter

If it's not smoothing out very well, melt a couple tablespoons of coconut oil (which is solid at room temperature) in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Add to the peanuts and process 30-60 seconds.


Add agave syrup or honey to taste  (I added a little less than a tablespoon of agave). Taste and add salt if desired when using unsalted peanuts.


Process another 30-60 seconds


Stop here if you want chunky peanut butter


Keep processing if you prefer smooth peanut butter


Pack your fresh peanut butter into a 16 ounce jar with a lid.

Make the tastiest peanut butter and organic strawberry jam sandwiches ever.


Feel good that your kids are eating peanut butter with no preservatives or dangerous ingredients. Smile that you just saved money, too.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will this keep? Does it need to be refrigerated?
Food safety standards recommend that you keep in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two months. Keeping in the fridge helps the oil stay suspended longer, too.

I will admit I am a bit rebellious and keep about 3 weeks worth in a sterilized glass jar in my pantry and nobody has gotten sick from eating it. If you choose to do this, do so at your own risk.


Can you can peanut butter?
Peanut butter is too thick to make it a food that you could can at home (the heat would not be able to permeate everything evenly). This process is so quick, though, needing to repeat it every 2 months or so isn't a big deal.

Featured on MoneySavingMom.com
I'm sharing my recipe with...
* Creative Juice at Momnivore's Dilemma * A Crafty Soiree at Yesterday on Tuesday * Cast Party Wednesday at Lady Behind the Curtain * Lil Luna Link Party at Lil Luna * DIY Thrifty Thursday at Thrifty 101 * Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts * Wicked Awesome Wednesday at Handy Man Crafty Woman * Homemade Year at Blissful and Domestic * Pin Inspirational Thursdays at The Artsy Girl Connection * A Pinteresting Party at Tutus and Tea Parties *

25 comments:

  1. This looks yummy! Thanks for sharing!


    ~Mrs. Delightful
    ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much for linking this up. I am very inspired to try this. Now I will just be on the lookout for when peanuts go on sale. Thanks again!! This looks tasty;)

    Www.blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is great, looks so yummy, can't believe you made homemade PB! I'm a new follower! Thanks for the visit to SweetLittleBluebird.com and leaving a such a sweet message!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Cheers ~ Mary

    ReplyDelete
  4. How long does this keep?

    ReplyDelete
  5. This maybe a dumb question... Do you have any idea how long this PB is good for? (does the lack of preservatives give it a short shelf life?)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for posting. What could you use in place of the coconut oil?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yum! I'm thinking this would need to be stored in the fridge?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yum! I'm thinking this needs to be stored in the fridge?

    ReplyDelete
  9. How long will it keep, and where do you store it? (Fridge or room temp)?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I started making our own because of prices too. We like the natural peanut butter. Our local store had almonds on sale for $3.99 lb. So I made almond butter. You really start saving money when you use alternative nuts. Almond butter is expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  11. how long will homemade peanut butter keep?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Do you have to put in refrigerator? How long does it keep?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Does this need to be stored in the refrigerator? Just curious. I can't wait to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Do you know how long this lasts before spoiling? Or did you can it somehow? Not sure the latter is possible...but really just wondering about shelf life if I were to make in bulk. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great Questions everyone!

    About Shelf Life
    Food safety standards recommend that you keep in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two months. Keeping in the fridge helps the oil stay suspended longer, too.

    I will admit I am a bit rebellious and keep about 3 weeks worth in a sterilized glass jar in my pantry and nobody has gotten sick from eating it. If you choose to do this, do so at your own risk. :-)

    About Canning
    Peanut butter is too thick to make it a food that you could can at home (the heat would not be able to permeate everything evenly). This process is so quick, though, needing to repeat it every 2 months or so isn't a big deal.

    A Substitute for Coconut Oil
    If you don't already have coconut oil as a pantry staple in your home, I'd encourage you to try it! It is a great oil that has high heat tolerance and can also be used in beauty products you make at home.

    If you're not feeling that adventurous or just want to make it now with what you have on hand, you could use peanut oil or canola oil (organic or GMO free).

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for the DIY! I have some shelled nuts that I might do this with. Can you use any other oil other than coconut oil? I use EVOO(extra virgin olive oil)in all my cooking, will this work as well?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you don't have coconut oil, I would try peanut oil or canola oil. I have not made this with olive oil so I'm not sure how it would affect the taste. Sometimes I find things made with EVOO have a distinct olive oil taste that I wouldn't want in my peanut butter

      Delete
  17. How funny...not the recipe but I've been thinking about making my own peanut butter for health reasons and the protein and now I've found it here. Sounds like a wonderful recipe and want to try it asap.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wonderful idea! I love that you get to decide what goes in. When I heard about the impending increase I found a deal and stocked up on peanut butter. This will teach me to think about other options before just resorting to what I would normally do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I made this last night. With the amt of oil called for it still had a thick cookie dough texture, so I kept adding oil...about double, with no change in consistency. I am completely perplexed on why it is not thinning out and I was afraid to add too much oil. The flavor is FANTASTIC, so we may just end up having to roll it into bite sized balls for snacking, but I would love to figure out why I can't get it to spreading consistency. Any help would be appreciated :0)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kochernut Mama,

    Two things may be happening. First is if the peanuts you had were very dry so missing a lot of their natural oils. You can try adding a bit of peanut, walnut or canola oil a teaspoon at a time.

    It's also possible that you may have needed to processes it longer in your food processor. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have tried my hand at homemade peanut butter before, but could never get the cost down to make it worth it for us. I like to buy the bulk packs of JIF and hubby likes it a lot better too! But if I see a steal on peanuts, I'm definitely going to give it another shot.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'll admit that if you're used to eating more "standard" brand peanut butter that you'll want to hold out for a great sale on peanuts to do this if your goal is to save money. Keep your eyes peeled now that Super Bowl season is sneaking up on us - nuts may be on sale as part of stores' game time snacks push.

    ReplyDelete

Comments make me happy! Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How to Make Peanut Butter

Back in November, news stations around the country were warning that peanut butter prices would skyrocket due to droughts and poor growing conditions in the areas of the country where peanuts are grown. That same week, my local grocery store had a 10 for $10 sale on 14 ounce bags of dry roasted (and salted) shelled peanuts. JACKPOT!

Making peanut butter is super easy and is a great way to save money....especially if you can find dry roasted peanuts on sale. You also have maximum control over what goes into it...you can do salt or no salt, honey or agave or no sweetener at all!

Following this recipe, I made 16 ounces of peanut butter for approx $1.25. Even the super cheap, preservative laden peanut butter is $3 for 16 ounces. You will save even more if your family is used to buying Adams or another premium natural peanut butter.


Ingredients
  • 14 ounces (by weight) roasted shelled peanuts*
  • 2 Tbsp pressed coconut oil
  • Agave syrup or honey to taste (optional)
  • Sea salt (optional, though you will probably want a bit if using unsalted peanuts)
*Either salted or unsalted will work. Unsalted gives you maximum control over the salt content. I just use whichever kind is on sale
Yields 16 ounces (by volume) of peanut butter
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How to Make Peanut Butter

Pour the peanuts into your food processor


Lock the lid and process on high approximately 2 minutes


It may start to look gritty...like finely chopped peanuts


Keep Going


Check your peanut butter

If it's not smoothing out very well, melt a couple tablespoons of coconut oil (which is solid at room temperature) in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Add to the peanuts and process 30-60 seconds.


Add agave syrup or honey to taste  (I added a little less than a tablespoon of agave). Taste and add salt if desired when using unsalted peanuts.


Process another 30-60 seconds


Stop here if you want chunky peanut butter


Keep processing if you prefer smooth peanut butter


Pack your fresh peanut butter into a 16 ounce jar with a lid.

Make the tastiest peanut butter and organic strawberry jam sandwiches ever.


Feel good that your kids are eating peanut butter with no preservatives or dangerous ingredients. Smile that you just saved money, too.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will this keep? Does it need to be refrigerated?
Food safety standards recommend that you keep in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two months. Keeping in the fridge helps the oil stay suspended longer, too.

I will admit I am a bit rebellious and keep about 3 weeks worth in a sterilized glass jar in my pantry and nobody has gotten sick from eating it. If you choose to do this, do so at your own risk.


Can you can peanut butter?
Peanut butter is too thick to make it a food that you could can at home (the heat would not be able to permeate everything evenly). This process is so quick, though, needing to repeat it every 2 months or so isn't a big deal.

Featured on MoneySavingMom.com
I'm sharing my recipe with...
* Creative Juice at Momnivore's Dilemma * A Crafty Soiree at Yesterday on Tuesday * Cast Party Wednesday at Lady Behind the Curtain * Lil Luna Link Party at Lil Luna * DIY Thrifty Thursday at Thrifty 101 * Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts * Wicked Awesome Wednesday at Handy Man Crafty Woman * Homemade Year at Blissful and Domestic * Pin Inspirational Thursdays at The Artsy Girl Connection * A Pinteresting Party at Tutus and Tea Parties *

25 comments:

  1. This looks yummy! Thanks for sharing!


    ~Mrs. Delightful
    ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much for linking this up. I am very inspired to try this. Now I will just be on the lookout for when peanuts go on sale. Thanks again!! This looks tasty;)

    Www.blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is great, looks so yummy, can't believe you made homemade PB! I'm a new follower! Thanks for the visit to SweetLittleBluebird.com and leaving a such a sweet message!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Cheers ~ Mary

    ReplyDelete
  4. How long does this keep?

    ReplyDelete
  5. This maybe a dumb question... Do you have any idea how long this PB is good for? (does the lack of preservatives give it a short shelf life?)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for posting. What could you use in place of the coconut oil?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yum! I'm thinking this would need to be stored in the fridge?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yum! I'm thinking this needs to be stored in the fridge?

    ReplyDelete
  9. How long will it keep, and where do you store it? (Fridge or room temp)?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I started making our own because of prices too. We like the natural peanut butter. Our local store had almonds on sale for $3.99 lb. So I made almond butter. You really start saving money when you use alternative nuts. Almond butter is expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  11. how long will homemade peanut butter keep?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Do you have to put in refrigerator? How long does it keep?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Does this need to be stored in the refrigerator? Just curious. I can't wait to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Do you know how long this lasts before spoiling? Or did you can it somehow? Not sure the latter is possible...but really just wondering about shelf life if I were to make in bulk. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great Questions everyone!

    About Shelf Life
    Food safety standards recommend that you keep in an airtight container in your fridge for up to two months. Keeping in the fridge helps the oil stay suspended longer, too.

    I will admit I am a bit rebellious and keep about 3 weeks worth in a sterilized glass jar in my pantry and nobody has gotten sick from eating it. If you choose to do this, do so at your own risk. :-)

    About Canning
    Peanut butter is too thick to make it a food that you could can at home (the heat would not be able to permeate everything evenly). This process is so quick, though, needing to repeat it every 2 months or so isn't a big deal.

    A Substitute for Coconut Oil
    If you don't already have coconut oil as a pantry staple in your home, I'd encourage you to try it! It is a great oil that has high heat tolerance and can also be used in beauty products you make at home.

    If you're not feeling that adventurous or just want to make it now with what you have on hand, you could use peanut oil or canola oil (organic or GMO free).

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for the DIY! I have some shelled nuts that I might do this with. Can you use any other oil other than coconut oil? I use EVOO(extra virgin olive oil)in all my cooking, will this work as well?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you don't have coconut oil, I would try peanut oil or canola oil. I have not made this with olive oil so I'm not sure how it would affect the taste. Sometimes I find things made with EVOO have a distinct olive oil taste that I wouldn't want in my peanut butter

      Delete
  17. How funny...not the recipe but I've been thinking about making my own peanut butter for health reasons and the protein and now I've found it here. Sounds like a wonderful recipe and want to try it asap.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wonderful idea! I love that you get to decide what goes in. When I heard about the impending increase I found a deal and stocked up on peanut butter. This will teach me to think about other options before just resorting to what I would normally do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I made this last night. With the amt of oil called for it still had a thick cookie dough texture, so I kept adding oil...about double, with no change in consistency. I am completely perplexed on why it is not thinning out and I was afraid to add too much oil. The flavor is FANTASTIC, so we may just end up having to roll it into bite sized balls for snacking, but I would love to figure out why I can't get it to spreading consistency. Any help would be appreciated :0)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Kochernut Mama,

    Two things may be happening. First is if the peanuts you had were very dry so missing a lot of their natural oils. You can try adding a bit of peanut, walnut or canola oil a teaspoon at a time.

    It's also possible that you may have needed to processes it longer in your food processor. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have tried my hand at homemade peanut butter before, but could never get the cost down to make it worth it for us. I like to buy the bulk packs of JIF and hubby likes it a lot better too! But if I see a steal on peanuts, I'm definitely going to give it another shot.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'll admit that if you're used to eating more "standard" brand peanut butter that you'll want to hold out for a great sale on peanuts to do this if your goal is to save money. Keep your eyes peeled now that Super Bowl season is sneaking up on us - nuts may be on sale as part of stores' game time snacks push.

    ReplyDelete

Comments make me happy! Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

 
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