Delicious Ways to Use Almond Butter

What is Almond Butter?
Made from ground almonds into a smooth paste, although it’s been called almond butter, it usually does not contain any dairy produce and it is not actually butter. Technically, a marmalade of sorts. Similarly to peanut butter, which is more well-known to many people, it is spreadable and soft. Not only that, almond butter Malaysia also comes in many different variations such like smooth, crunchy, roasted or raw. Although the fat content is higher in comparison with other nut butters, almond butter does contain a lot of nutrient and minerals.

How Almond Butter Malaysia is made?
Commonly made with a only single ingredient, which you guessed it, is almonds! Even though there are many ways of making almond butter, there is always a common ground: which is the process of pulverizing the almond nuts into a smooth paste. While commercial manufacturers often use industrial-grade nut grinder, home-cooks would get the same results with a simple food processor or heavy-duty blender at home. Different cooks have their own way of preparing it, some of the common ways are to soak the almonds prior to the grinding process in order to soften them up. This step is however optional as the impactful force of grinding would usually release the almonds’ olds and will bind the mixture into a creamy paste. Another optional step and preferred by most, is the addition of oil to aid in the improvement of consistency or texture. But then again, grinding alone is all it takes in general.

Storage Suggestions
Items that have not been emulsified should be refrigerated, and even so, they still tend to spoil pretty quickly. Some food experts prescribe utilizing fresh or hand crafted almond butter within a week after its made. Forms that have been emulsified, especially those with synthetic preservatives, can usually be stored at room temperature successfully and does not expire as fast as fresh almond butter. However, it is always wise to finish your almond butter in a short period of time to prevent the growth of bacteria that are being introduced with spoons or knives that we associate them with.

Almond Butter vs. Peanut Butter
As we all know, peanut butter has always been the go-to nut butter. Although peanut butter is not an unhealthy choice, the benefits that almond butter Malaysia could bring you, would convince you to add them to your grocery list. Here are some key factors:

Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats:
With a difference of 1.2 grams per tablespoon of butter, almond butter takes the win with 5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat whereas peanut butter would give you about 3.3 grams per tablespoon. Accompanied with a healthy diet, consuming foods that are rich in monounsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol levels. Not only that, it might also diminish your risk of stroke and heart-related diseases.

Better Source of Fiber:
Similar with monounsaturated fat, almond butter beats peanut butter as it has slightly better source of fiber. With every tablespoon of almond butter, 1.6 grams of fiber is present, whereas for peanut butter, it contains only 0.9 grams. Every little bit of fiber helps as it lowers the risks of chronic diseases and it also aids you to maintain a healthy weight. Depending on age and gender, your daily fiber needs differ, it ranges from 21 to 38 grams of fiber per day.

Significant Source of Vitamin E:
With four times more of Vitamin E in almond butter compared to peanut butter, almond butter definitely beats peanut butter. Vitamin E is commonly known as an antioxidant and it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Hence, Vitamin E actually protects us from heart diseases and cancer, it also helps with your immune health.

Comparing the Minerals:
Some of the minerals that are essential for our body are calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. Calcium aids bone health, iron assists with oxygen flow, potassium helps maintain fluid balance in muscles and zinc supports our immune systems. As it’s pretty clear by now, almond butter has a richer source of these essential minerals.

Wow! What can we make with Almond Butter?
Now that we’re familiar with what, how and why almond butter, let’s now take a look at some healthy recipes that uses almond butter!



1. Almond Butter Protein Bars
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
• 230 grams Oat Flour
• 3 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder
• 80 grams Maple Syrup
• 215 grams Almond Butter (Preferably crunchy)
• 30 grams Almond Milk
Preparation Instructions

• Using a 8x8 baking tray, lay it out with parchment or baking paper.
• Mix the butter, milk and syrup in a separate bowl until well blended.
• In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour and vanilla protein powder.
• Slowly stir in the dry mixture into the into the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms then knead the dough with your hands.
• Roll out the dough into an evenly flat square.
• Place the dough in the tray and even it out.
• Place the pan into the freezer and let cool for at least 1 hour.
• After 1 hour, take the pan out and cut into your desired sizes.
• Can be stored up to 3 weeks in the fridge or freezer.



2. Almond Butter Honey Cake
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
• 70 grams almond flour
• 70 grams buckwheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 100 grams coconut oil, melted
• 200 grams almond butter, at room temperature
• 185 grams honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium egg
Preparation Instructions
1. Before you start mixing, preheat the oven to 180 degree Celsius and line a 8x8 baking tray with baking paper.
2. Next, whisk the dry ingredients together which are the almond flour, buckwheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the wet ingredients which are the melted coconut oil, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract and egg. For the best results, try using a stand mixer.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients. Mix well until all dry residues are unseen and mixed into the batter.
5. Once you’re done mixing, pop it in the oven until the edges start to separate from the pan and ensure that the center is springy to touch. This would take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Don’t be alarm if the edges are dark, as it is caused by the honey.
Grilled Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate & Pomegranate Sandwich



3. Almond Butter Soba Noodles with Garlic Shrimp
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 2
Ingredients
garlic shrimp:
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 8 to 10 pieces white shrimp, peeled, deveined and cleaned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
almond butter sauce:
• 50 grams almond butter
• 2 tablespoons ponzu sauce
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 8 ounces soba noodles, cooked and chilled
• 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
• 1/3 cucumber, julienned
• 3 leaves savoy cabbage, shredded
• 1 teaspoon toasted black sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon toasted and crushed almonds, optional
Preparation Instructions:
• Mixed all ingredients for the garlic shrimp and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
• Heat a pan over medium-high heat and stir-fry the shrimp for approximately 5 minutes. Remove from pan when it’s done and refrigerate until the next use.
• For the almond butter sauce, place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and mixed until fully combined. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
• In a large bowl, toss the noodles and sauce until it is all fully coated. With a handful of shredded savoy on to a plate, top with half of the coated noodles. Then top noodles with carrots, cucumbers and of course, the shrimp! Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and you’re done!


Other than cooking with almond butter, there are many other delicious ways to enjoy it. Here are some examples that might entice your taste buds!
• Use it as a spread on toast or other starches like bagels, muffins, pancakes, and so on.
• Accompany it with some fresh fruits (banana, apples for example)
• Or as a dip with dried fruits (dried apples or apricots)
• Some like to have it with vegetables like celery sticks.
• Mix it up with some oatmeal for hot cereals.
• Honey, yoghurt and almond butter is a great combination as well!
• Use it in shakes and smoothies. For instance, with a spoonful of almond butter malaysia, mix it with milk, some frozen fruits and ice and blend it into a smoothie! You can also try to add some protein powder, yogurt, greens or added sweeteners.
• It can also be used for savory dishes, sauces, condiments.
• Ice cream! Mix some almond butter with warm chocolate syrup and drizzle it over some vanilla ice cream. It’s a match made in heaven!