Cinnamon-Raisin Walnut Butter

Cinnamon-Raisin Walnut Butter

I don't eat a ton of raw nuts. I love them, they're nutritious and delicious- but I'm gonna let in on a little secret: I'm really more of a nut butter kind of girl. There is nothing like a rounded spoonful of fresh, raw nut butter to give you energy and satisfy your appetite. Plus, I love the convenience of being able to tote around a jar of my favorite nut butter to spread on everything in site. Seriously: everything. 

Or, like I said, just enjoy it bite-by-bite.

I've been experimenting lately with different nut butter combinations, since plain almond butter can get a little boring...and I just got a new vitamix! Woot woot!
My favorite (besides the deliciocusness you're lookin' at) has been a creamy, whipped coconut cashew butter. (I'll share that recipe soon, promise.)
With the Cinnamon-Raisin Walnut butter, I was aiming to quelch a craving. I woke up one morning just drooling over the idea of a giant waffle breakfast, only (surprise!) I don't actually own a waffle iron. So I set out to do what any food blogger with fancy new equiptment and a few hours to kill does: I made something delicious. 
It was warm, it was sweet, it was like a spreadable cinnabon waffle topping. With a little natural sweetness added courtesy of the raisins, and just a kick of flavor from the cinnamon, I had a delicious waffle-worthy topping...great on toast, too!

We were able to keep the added nutrients attributed to eating a raw diet by not roasting the walnuts first. Its a great trick for adding oomph to the flavor of your nuts, but I like the nut butter sans roasting. Plus, its even easier to throw together and retains some extra nutrients.
Plus, as a chef, I cook all day long. When I come home, I like shortcuts :)

Ingredients:
3 cups whole, raw walnuts
1/2 cup raw, sulphur-free raisins
1/2-1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Directions:
Throw everything in a food processor or high-speed blender (like a vitamix). Blend about 4-6 minutes, until the nuts, raisins, and cinnamon are all a uniform, creamy consistency. There will be some very small chunks (walnuts, you know). Those are the best part, enjoy 'em!
Store in a glass jar in the pantry or refrigerator for a month, or until you've enjoyed it all! I like it as a spread for toast and waffles, a dip for fruit and crackers, and an add in for oatmeal, smoothies, and anything you can replace 'peanut butter' with. 
Also, makes great holiday gifts for friends and family, especally those with food allergies!

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