Simple Ideas for Humble Nut Butter

By food blogger and James Beard award winning author, Beth Dooley

Sundried Basil Cashew: “The Bright Notes and sunny flavors work nicely with dishes from South America, Southern Europe, and North Africa.”

Avocado Toast:

Spread on whole wheat toast and topped with layers of Avocado, with a drizzle of lime juice and chopped cilantro.  

White Bean Salad:

Toss with cooked or canned and drained white beans, chopped red peppers, chopped celery and parsley. Serve on a bed of butter lettuce.

Glazed Carrots:

Toss with roasted or blanched carrots and season with orange zest and a drizzle of orange juice.

Fresh Greens Flatbread:

Spread over pizza dough and bake at 350 degrees until the crust begins to brown and the spread is melty. Serve topped with fresh arugula and chopped fresh basil.

Truffle Herb Walnut: “The rich mushroom flavor adds deep umami to this spread. It’s a wonderful alternative and/or companion to cheese, meat, and meat alternatives.”

Mushroom Duxelle:

Toss with sautéed mushrooms and serve over brown rice or mound onto bruschetta.

Twice Baked Potatoes:

Split baked potatoes, spoon in nut butter, and return to the oven until the nut butter melts. Serve garnished with chopped chives and chopped parsley. (Works nicely with the Sundried Basil Cashew, too.)

Rumaki:

Stuff dates and warm in the oven until the nut butter is melty.

Turmeric Maple Pecan: “This is the gateway of spiced, savory butters. Slightly sweet and warmly spiced.”

Wild Rice Pilaf:

Stir nut butter into wild rice and toss in dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and chopped parsley. If the mixture seems too thick, thin with apple cider.

Sweet Mash-ups:

Mash nut butter into sweet potatoes and garnish with chopped walnuts and chopped parsley.

Spiced French Toast:

Slather nut butter over French toast as it comes from the frying pan and top with fresh blueberries and/or chopped apples.