This vanilla almond butter recipe is a simple, go-to nut butter recipe that gives you the opportunity to experiment and create the nut butter of your dreams.

These days, nut butters are increasingly accessible and are offered in so many unique flavors and combinations. Regardless of the options out there, it is reassuring to know that the best recipe, fit to your particular consistency, texture and taste preferences, is right at your fingertips.

If you are anything like me, you inhale a tub of almond butter within a week (or even a few days) and it hurts to constantly dish out the high price for your favorite brand. What many people don’t realize is that nut butters are so easy to make and just require a handful of ingredients. The following vanilla almond butter recipe is as simple as they come and will allow you to enjoy more of what you love, without the high price tag or trip to the supermarket. Enjoy!

Vanilla Almond Butter Recipe

Makes about 1.5 cups

Ingredients

2 cups unsalted almonds
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the almonds out on a baking sheet and pop into the oven. Let roast for just over 10 minutes, or until lightly browned (but not burnt). Transfer the almonds to a food processor and begin to process them. Be patient – the almonds will take time to clump together and form a smooth, creamy consistency – about 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and process for another minute. Store in a glass jar with a sealed lid.

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Forget the oven, just mix and roll.

These Fig and Almond Energy Bites are quick, easy, and don’t involve any baking. They go just as well with an afternoon bike ride or post-run recovery snack as they do with a Sunday evening movie. This is cookie dough without the need for an excuse.

This recipe is adapted from an original recipe by Gimme Some Oven. If you’re up for experimenting, this is your recipe. Since you don’t have to bake them, you can switch out a number of ingredients depending on what you’re in the mood for. Peanut butter instead of almond butter? Sure. Dried cranberries instead of figs? Why not. Make a couple of different batches for the sake of “culinary research.”

Fig and Almond Energy Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats (if you’re gluten-free, make sure they are gluten free certified)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup dried figs, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

• Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, then add in almond butter and honey. Mix together and let sit in refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• Roll into balls.
• Store in refrigerator.
• Eat.

Every month on Sunday Recipe, we bring you a new theme of recipes, perfect for whipping up on a Sunday. For February it’s all about easy things to make for a day with friends. Enjoy!

Images: Anna Brones

The post Sunday Recipe: Fig and Almond Energy Bites appeared first on EcoSalon.

Here are 12 real food alternatives to falling prey to the “junk food jones.” Some of these may seem high in fat, and they are, such as olives, nuts or cheese. However, the idea is quality not quantity. Enjoy the good things in life, but within reason, and you’ll find you are more than satisfied.

The trick is to keep real food snacks around, or bring them with you, so you’re not tempted with impulse buys near the register when you’re filling up at the gas station or buying office supplies. It’s all about retraining your palette and your habits.

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1. Nuts: Almonds, Pistachios, Cashews

I’ve gotten in the habit of keeping a bag of roasted almonds in my bag at all times. Yum!

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2. Fresh Fruit

I’ve been really enjoying oranges recently, especially tangerines. Other easy fresh fruit snacks are grapes, apples or pears.

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3. Dried fruit

Great on the go.

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4. Vegetables with hummus

An excellent source of fiber all around.

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5. Rice cakes with natural peanut butter or almond butter

Or celery with peanut butter. Remember the old days of “ants-on-a-log?”

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6. Cheese

Yes. Really. But good cheese! I’m still a believer that a few slices of cheese are better than eating a bag of potato chips. Try eating with rye crackers, thinly sliced, toasted pain au levain bread or simply on its own. My current favorites are aged gouda or goat gouda, gruyere, and manchego.

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7. Olives

Greek olives are nice to have on hand, especially when you’re eating cheese. You may need to shop around a bit to find your favorite style and olives can vary in quality depending on where you buy them from.

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8. Roasted vegetables

I’m a big fan of sweet potato fries. Mind you, when I say sweet potato fries, I don’t mean the ones at the pub down the street. Oven roast your own with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme. Delicious! Asparagus, which is currently in season, is another great option. Eat the spears like fries. Or, make a roasted beet salad to have on hand with onions and feta cheese.

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9. Straight up avocado

With salt. What’s not to love.

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10. Natural granola or fruit bars

Try 18 Rabbits or Larabars.

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11. The combination. Plain yogurt with granola, fruit and nuts

This is like dessert! Try experimenting with different fruit combinations or adding shredded coconut or a dusting of ground flax seed.

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12. Dark chocolate

Instead of reaching for cookies, try this alternative. A few squares of dark chocolate are inimitably satisfying.

Images: inside_man, minianna.com, givingitatry, aggleton, prakhar, Sashertootie, JC handmade, mwhammer,  MGF Lady Disdain,  aSILVA, CaseyJ

The post The Junk Food Jones: Retraining Your Palate with 12 Real Food Alternatives appeared first on EcoSalon.