Smooth Peanut Butter

method:

• Put the peanuts in a food processor or blender. Sprinkle with salt if you are using it. Pulse the blender a few times to start breaking up the nuts, then process for 1 minute, or until the peanuts are finely ground.
• Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then add the sweetener, if using, and 1 tsp of the oil, if you don’t have a high-powered blender or food processor; this will help to soften the nuts so that they blend smoothly.
• Process the mixture for 2–3 minutes, until the nuts come together in a clumpy paste. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl again. Take care not to overheat the machine; stop if necessary.
• Continue processing the mixture for a further 2–3 minutes. At first, the peanut butter will get thicker, but gradually it will become smoother and creamier as it begins to flow freely through the blades. Add the remaining oil at this stage, if using.
• Use a rubber spatula to transfer the peanut butter into a clean container or sterilised jars. Store the peanut butter in the fridge (homemade nut butter doesn’t contain preservatives, so it won’t keep as long as commercial varieties). Use within 4 weeks of making.
• COOK'S TIPS: Be aware that the mixture is likely to heat up considerably while you are processing the nuts, so to avoid burns, leave the butter in the food processor to cool before tasting or decanting it. Pause frequently if you are using a low-powered machine to prevent it from overheating. For longer storage, decant the peanut butter into suitable freezer-proof containers and freeze for up to 3 months.