Homemade nut butters

[isambard]

I can't get almond butter or hazelnut butter (both of which I can buy easily in Ireland) in Paris, so I want to make my own. The recipes I've seen state you just need to pulverise the shelled nuts of your choice but yesterday I tried it with pistachio kernels, and ended up with more like powdered pistachio. It was quite nice, the pistachio kernels were quite expensive so it was quality, but it wasn't exactly what I was after.
I think the problem might be my food processor. Which is to say, it isn't quite a food processor, it's a mini Kenwood chopper. I still thought it would work.
Any ideas/suggestions?

[emma_p]

I think you just need to keep going and they'll turn into a paste eventually? Maybe add a little pistachio oil to get it going?

Did you toast the pistachios first? I think toasting and removing the papery skins might make the pulverising easier.

[emma_p]

These websites seem like a good place to start: https://cookieandkate.com/pistachio-butter-recipe/
https://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2023/08 ... utter.html

[isambard]

Thanks emma

[emma_p]

I would probably just bring nut butters back with me though

[isambard]

You have no idea the rate I go through them, emma....

[ParisGal]

Don't any of the health food shops have almond butter at least?

[emma_p]

I have a teenage boy who gets through a 1kg tub of Pip and Nut in about a fortnight

[isambard]

Pip and Nut are my favourites. Meridian hazelnut butter from Holland and Barrett is outrageously good.
I tried a brand called Manilife because it was highly rated in the Sunday Times magazine but while good, I think Pip and Nut is better.

PG: you'd be surprised how hard (impossible) it is to get CRUNCHY almond butter in Paris.

[isambard]

I made hazelnut butter this morning and it worked out well!

[emma_p]

That looks good.

[ParisGal]

Nice! I don't think I've ever seen crunchy peanut butter here even.

[isambard]

I've seen Sun Pat crunchy peanut butter but it has too high a sugar content for me. Whole Earth crunchy peanut butter can be found occasionally in Monoprix. It's not bad.

[SunnyMum]

I've seen crunchy peanut butter in Leclerc (in the exotic food section, along with the worcestershire sauce). I've also seen it in some Intermarchés.

[isambard]

They probably contain sugar, I'd reckon, Sunny Mum. I think the only Leclerc I know is in the suburbs here but I'll look next time I go there.

[SunnyMum]

I found these in Carrefour. In the exotic section.

[ParisGal]

That's good, especially the 100% peanut one. Sad that the skippy is more expensive and has sugar.

[SunnyMum]

Yes, skippy is 91% peanuts.
The 100% isn't crunchy.

[isambard]

Thank you for taking the photo, SM! I like Whole Earth when it's crunchy. I can sometimes get it at certain Monoprix.

Making my own nut butters is going quite well, I have to say. The trick is to roast them for 12 or so minutes, and- for hazelnuts at least- I try to get nuts with the skin on. It adds extra flavour.
Thanks, everyone.

[overthehill]

I've seen Sun Pat crunchy peanut butter but it has too high a sugar content for me. Whole Earth crunchy peanut butter can be found occasionally in Monoprix. It's not bad.

Do you have a 'BioCoop' or something similar near you? I've bought peanut butter and tahini from our local shop.