VitaMix and Almond Butter

[Raynne413]

I recently tried to use my Vitamix to make almond butter, and let's just say it did NOT work quite like I expected. I used frozen almonds that I had thawed, and the 1/4 cup canola oil the recipe called for, and I STILL ended up with an almond paste.
Does freezing almonds somehow affect the oil in the nut that made this more difficult than it would have been had I just used fresh almonds??

[Organic Girl]

How long did you blend it for? Have you made it before?

I have never made almond butter with frozen almonds before, generally you don't need any extra oil.

[Raynne413]

I ended up having to blend for 5-10 minutes, and it just never thinned out. I tried it first without the oil, but then when it didn't seem to be getting creamy, I added the oil 1 tbsp at a time, but still no luck. :-(

[Organic Girl]

:( awwwhhh, so sad.

I do know that it takes a while to blend up, but 10 minutes seems like a very long time.

[Organic Girl]

maybe it was because you froze them, I don't know??

[DebB]

You may have better luck using the food processor. Here's a great "how to" with very nice pictures: http://www.rawmazing.com/recipes/raw-recipe-almond-butter/#more-4157

[MyRedPanda]

I think maybe because they were frozen? I made almond butter in my VitaMix last week and it worked out nicely. Did you use the tamper? I put the speed on variable 4 and used the tamper. It took a few mins and I made sure that the base was not getting too hot. I accept a bit of chunkiness though, so maybe thats why it only took a few mins!

[Raynne413]

I did use the tamper. I think I'll buy some new almonds tonight and try using them to make almond butter and see if there is a difference.
I just couldn't throw my almond paste away!!! So I stuck it in a container in the fridge and before I use it, I blend it with a little almond milk. At least it won't go to waste! I hate the idea of just throwing out 3 cups of almonds.

[Organic Girl]

I don't blame you, lol.

Let us know how your new almond butter comes out.

[Raynne413]

Will do! And I'm hoping and praying that it works! I'd love the ability to make my own. Not only is it cheaper, but I can add what I want to it without having to worry about whatever the manufacturer put in it!

[dmb2002man]

hey i just followed my book and made peanut butter (vitamix). I bought a pound of roasted peanut butter no salt organic from whole foods. It said 3 cups which was a pound or very close and i blended up and was fine. I wont ever buy peanut butter again from the store. You do have to use the tamper the whole time.

[MysticTree]

but it's not raw :confused

[dmb2002man]

but it's not raw :confused

yeah i'm getting non roasted next time. I just couldn't find them at whole foods when i wanted to make this the first time.

[MysticTree]

yeah i'm getting non roasted next time. I just couldn't find them at whole foods when i wanted to make this the first time.


right ... still not sure I get it though. Why would you eat cooked when you could wait and have raw?

[Raynne413]

Well, I FINALLY made almond butter!! It was NOT easy. I had to stop and start several times to let it cool off. I kept going until it got to a slightly oily paste and THEN I added the recommended oil, but only added 3 tbsp. Then it worked PERFECTLY. I'm so happy. Labor intensive, but money saving, and I know exactly what is in it! Now I know the best way to make it, I won't be wasting anymore almonds!:woohoo:

[OrchidRaven]

I make mine in my processor, it takes time, just have to be patient :)