VEGAN  |  WFPB  |  GLUTEN-FREE | REFINED SUGAR-FREE  |  NO ADDED OIL  |  30 MINUTES OR LESS | EASY

How about a nut butter that tastes like pecan pie?  This is my favorite nut butter so far, full of flavor that is delectable on toast, or ice cream, or a spoon...mmm

I provided an option to spice up this pecan butter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.  I have to say, though, that I love it plain, letting that toasted pecan flavor stand on its own.  Because there's a touch of maple syrup in the recipe, it really does taste like pecan pie.  Jam is nice with it, but not necessary.  Give it a try on ice cream or oatmeal, mmmmm.

Pecans are more expensive than peanut butter, so we use it more sparingly, cherishing every bite.

to make the heart-shaped Love Toast:

• take an oval slice from a round bread loaf and cut it in half at a diagonal

• after toasting, flip one half so the two diagonals meet and it looks a bit like a heart

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Pecan Butter Recipe

VEGAN  |  WFPB  |  GUTEN-FREE | REFINED SUGAR-FREE  |  NO ADDED OIL  |  30 MINUTES OR LESS | EASY

Makes about 2 cups

Prep time:  15 minutes | Cook time:  12 minutes  | Total Time:  27 minutes

I've tried to be as accurate as possible about the time it takes to make this recipe.  Keep in mind that time is approximate and dependent on factors like how many hands are helping and the pace you choose to set.  I hope you enjoy the process!

Ingredients

Plain Pecan Butter:

• 16 ounces raw pecans

• 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Spiced Pecan Butter, add:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

• ⅛ teaspoon cardamom

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place a sheet of parchment on one large baking sheet (or two standard) . Pour the pecans into a bowl and stir in the maple syrup. Spread the pecan mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes. If you don't smell the delicious scent of toasted pecans, put them back for a couple minutes until you can. They should be toasted a nice golden color. Set them aside to cool a few minutes.

2. Plug in your food processor and put the cooled toasted pecans into the processor bowl. If you want to keep your salt to a minimum, start by adding ⅛ teaspoon salt with the spices, if using. Process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Process again. The pecan butter should be able to drip from a spoon when done.

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