I am a HUGE fan of nut butter, including almond, cashew and sometimes peanut. Call me old school, but I literally lived on peanut butter sandwiches when I was a kid and never grew tired of it. Back in those days, mainstream peanut butter was the way to go but did you know that despite the health benefits of nuts, not all nut butter are healthy to eat?
My go-to is a natural almond butter first and foremost, but sometimes I still crave the taste of peanuts. When I do opt for peanut butter, I only opt for again, a natural, organic product. Meaning the only ingredient is organic peanuts; no hydrogenated oils, sugar, or sodium added. Mainstream (hydrogenated) peanut and nut butter also has more saturated fats than natural butter, which may increase LDL cholesterol and heart disease risk. Another excellent reason to switch to natural nut butters.
And I always opt for organic, as non-organic nut butter can be high in pesticides. I don’t often eat peanut butter since peanuts also tend to be higher in mold, which contains aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavis, the mold found on food products such as corn, peanuts, & peanut butter. It acts as a potent liver carcinogen.
Organic Nut butter has numerous health benefits
- It’s an energy-dense, plant-based protein source.
- Contains amino acids, including arginine, which is important for heart health.
- It’s low on the glycemic index scale (so it won’t spike your blood sugar level).
- Provides fiber, which will help you feel fuller longer and will feed the beneficial bacteria in your microbiome.
- It’s high in antioxidants.
- A great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
The taste and texture of organic nut butter can be different since it’s lower in sugar and salt than traditional nut butter. It might take a few tries to get used to it, but over time, you’ll likely come to enjoy natural nut butter.
Peanut Butter Breakfast Squares
More than just your traditional peanut butter cookie… nut butters, peanuts included, is widely used for so many great recipes, this one included. Enjoy
Peanut Butter Breakfast Squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 tbsps Stevia Powder
- 3 Egg
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil melted, then measured
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup All Natural Organic Peanut Butter runny, chunky
- 1/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips or chunks
- 1/4 cup Oats rolled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and stevia. Then stir in the eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Drop the peanut butter in dollops across the top, then sprinkle the chocolate chips and oats across the top. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown and cooked through. Let cool before slicing and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftovers – Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze if longer.
- Serving Size – A 8 by 8-inch baking dish was used to make 9 servings.
- Flour – This recipe uses Bob’s Red Mill All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour. Please note that if using another brand of flour, results may vary.
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