Chocolate Cherry Walnut Butter

Confession: Making nut butter has always really scared me.

Actually, I’m not a fan of anything that involves a food processor. I get that it’s a very useful, versatile gadget, but such a big blade whirring so quickly really kind of freaks me out. I like my fingers, thankyouverymuch.

However, as we all know, I am quite a fan of nut butters. And while I’d never risk my extremities for something as simple as peanut or almond butter, there are certain flavors that make me think I might me able to live without a pinky or two…flavors like chocolate cherry walnut butter.

Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups chopped walnuts (8 oz package)
• 4 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried cherries

Begin by processing walnuts until they become a paste- 1 to 2 minutes. One teaspoon at a time, add agave and canola, stopping processor to scrape down sides between additions. When a nut butter like consistency has been achieved, add chocolate and cherries and pulse until chocolate is well combined and small chunks of cherries remain. Transfer to airtight container and store in the fridge.

Considering this is my first attempt at nut butter, I’m pretty darn proud of myself. This is chocolatey and rich with a subtle cherry taste- perfect for slathering on a plain old piece of toast.

Or just eating straight from the jar.

As with all walnut butters that I’ve encountered, it’s not totally smooth, but has a slight nutty texture that I really like. The cherry pieces are a welcome surprise, too!

And bonus- I still have all my fingers. Win.