Nut butters are delicious, healthy, and a cinch to make. All you need is a food processor and a few minutes, and you can create some exciting nut butters that are a welcome change from the store-bought regulars.

If you're a little wary about whipping up homemade nut butters, watch Canadian Living Food Director Annabelle Waugh make Roasted Peanut Butter and Maple Walnut Butter in our how-to Test Kitchen video.

Once you've mastered making your own nut butters, you can add them to recipes like Strawberry Peach Smoothie and Chocolate Peanut Crunch Cookies, featured below.

For some other variations try some of the following to spice up your meal routine:
Almond Butter Hummus
In food processor, combine 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup Almond Pepita Butter (recipe below); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 clove garlic; and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Process until smooth. Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

Walnut Hot Chocolate
In heatproof bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water, melt 5 oz (140 g) chopped semisweet chocolate with 1/4 cup Maple Walnut Butter (recipe below) until smooth. Meanwhile, in saucepan, heat 3-1/2 cups milk until steaming. Scrape in chocolate mixture and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Using immersion blender, blend until smooth. Makes 4 servings.

Quick And Nutty Thai Curry
In a large nonstick skillet, brown 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced, in 1 tbsp vegetable oil; add 2 tbsp red or green Thai curry paste and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 can (400 mL) coconut milk and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup frozen peas. Stir in 1/4 cup Roasted Peanut Butter (recipe below) and 1 tbsp lime juice; stir until sauce is smooth and heated through. Makes 4 servings.

Our favourite nut butter recipes


Test Kitchen video: How to make nut butters
Did you know peanut butter is one of the easiest things to make? Plus you can control the ingredients, making it as healthy as can be. Canadian Living Food Director Annabelle Waugh shows you how to make your very own Roasted Peanut Butter and Maple Walnut Butter.

Almond Pepita Butter
This fragrant nut butter is packed with almonds and pepitas, which are both good sources of monounsaturated fats. Almonds are also a good source of vitamin E.


Roasted Peanut Butter
Using roasted peanuts makes this peanut butter more flavourful than store-bought. Peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are key in any heart-healthy diet.


Maple Walnut Butter
Soaking walnuts in water overnight rids them of any bitter aftertaste. This butter may appear dry, but don't worry -- it is extremely smooth and creamy, and spreads very easily.


Strawberry Peach Smoothie
This fruit smoothie has a hint of almond, which adds richness and protein to an everyday treat. It also works well with frozen blueberries, if you don't happen to have frozen peaches on hand.


Nutty Apple-Cranberry Granola Bars
These chewy granola bars are dead simple to make for a great breakfast or snack on the go. Be sure to pack the granola down as tightly as you can before baking so the bars stay together after they're cut. To store, layer between strips of waxed paper so they don't stick together.

Chocolate Peanut Crunch Cookies
These cookies have a cake-like texture that pairs perfectly with a tall glass of milk. Chopped peanuts add crunch and flavour.