Creative Ways to Utilize Nuts While Cooking

Nut butter can be spread on toast in the mornings, used in a delicious sandwich with jelly or jam, or simply eaten with many different types of fruits and vegetables for a boost of protein. However, not all nut butters are created alike, and many are notoriously high in sugar and fat content.

Before you purchase nut butter, ensure that you read the labels to see if it is organic, natural, and as healthy as possible, so that you are not giving your children unnecessary sugar. You should primarily use nut butters to add a more healthy aspects to foods that are traditionally considered more unhealthy.

One of the most delicious items that you can eat for breakfast is a banana nut muffin. Muffins taste especially good with nuts because they stud the fluffy and sweet crumbles of the muffin and give an interesting crunch with a rush of flavor. However, if your family is not a fan of the nuts themselves, then you can use an alternative like almond flour.

They will never know the difference, and instead of some of the harmful effects of white flour, they can benefit from consuming almonds in powdered form through almond joy muffins. With proper modifications, you can utilize almond flour in a great variety of baked dishes that would normally require plain flour.

Nuts can be a great snack as an alternative substitute to chips, candy, or other unhealthy options. Although the prospect of a bowl of plain peanuts, almonds or cashews may seem boring, it is simple to jazz them up by using a variety of toppings, based on your preferences. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

If you have a sweet tooth, cinnamon will satisfy your craving and provide a delicious contrast to the saltiness of the nuts. You can add almost any topping to make a delectable snack that you will reach for instead of something less good for you.

Nuts are a staple of Asian cuisine, but not in the way that you would expect. They often come in the form of sauces that are drizzled and mixed in to savory dishes, such as the famous peanut sauce that traditionally pairs well with Thai food.

You can add peanut sauce to many dishes for a blend of sweet, tangy and spicy. Nut sauces also go well with certain types of salads. Next time you are feeling bored with one of your dinners, try adding a nut sauce to spice it up and take it to the next level.

Granola bars that you find in the grocery store may seem healthy on the outside, but they are often laden with preservatives and unhealthy ingredients. You can save money and calories by simply making your own at home with any nuts and other fillers that you would like. When you have your own unique blend of ingredients, you are much more likely to eat them.

Nuts are a wonderful part of any diet, and are absolutely essential to maintain balanced nutrition. With these options, you can fold them into your meal plan in a variety of ways, and they will still be tasty and unique with every dish or snack that you make.