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Local nut butter—like creamy almond butter and classic peanut butter—might seem like cozy, cold-weather staples, but they’re just as perfect for bringing creamy balance to lighter spring meals.

These pantry favorites reward creativity: a spoonful here or there can turn simple spring dishes into something nourishing and special —especially if you’re looking for a dairy-free way to add richness.

Whether stirred into a fresh dressing, blended into a smoothie, or used in a satisfying snack, local nut butters add comfort without heaviness.

They’re a simple way to bring a little indulgence to everyday meals while keeping them fresh, light, and perfectly in tune with the season.

🍲 Nourishing Starters & Sides with Local Nut Butter

• Nutty Root Veg Soup — Stir a spoonful of almond or peanut butter into pureed carrot, sweet potato, or squash soup to deepen flavor and add creaminess.
• Lively Spring Salad with Nut Butter Dressing — Combine mixed greens, radishes, snap peas, and cucumber. Toss in a creamy dressing made from almond or peanut butter, olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Top with seeds or nuts for crunch.
• Cooked Greens with Nut Butter Glaze — Use a small amount of nut butter in a finishing sauce for sautéed kale, bok choy, or broccoli.

🥘 Flavorful Main Spring Dishes

• Oatmeal & Porridge — Stir almond or peanut butter into oatmeal or quinoa porridge. Top with banana, seeds, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey.
• Stir-Fry Bowls or Noodle Dishes — Use almond or peanut butter in a creamy sauce with tamari, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and chili. Toss with noodles, stir-fried veg, tofu, or chicken.
• Satay-Style Protein — Make a classic satay sauce (peanut butter, coconut milk, lime, chili flakes) to serve with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
• Grain & Greens Bowl with Nut Butter Drizzle — Thin almond butter with lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup for a warm or cold grain bowl topper (farro, quinoa, millet, etc.).
• Savory Nut Butter Toasts — These work as open-faced mains or hearty snacks.
  • • Almond butter, sliced radish, olive oil, sea salt
    • Peanut butter, cucumber, sriracha, shredded chicken

🥤Indulgent Drinks Featuring Local Nut Butter

• Nut Butter Milkshake — Blend almond or peanut butter with banana, vanilla, and almond milk for a rich, creamy treat. (dairy free)
• Nut Butter Latte — Whisk peanut butter into your morning coffee or espresso for a creamy twist.
• Nut Butter Hot Chocolate — Stir almond or peanut butter into hot chocolate for an extra layer of richness.
• Chocolate Berry Nut Butter Shake — Blend almond or peanut butter with frozen berries (like strawberries or raspberries), cocoa powder, milk, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Add a frozen banana for extra creaminess, or top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate for a rich finish.
• Fruity Nut Butter Smoothie — Blend almond butter with frozen mango, pineapple, a splash of orange juice, and coconut milk. Creamy, tropical, and totally refreshing — like a beach vacation in a glass. (dairy free)
• 💡Tip for the Grown-Ups: To turn any of these into an adult treat, add a splash of bourbon, dark rum, coffee liqueur, or nocino (a walnut liqueur with warm spice notes). Each pairs beautifully with the richness of nut butter and chocolate or fruit. 🥂 (dairy free)

🍨 Wholesome Snacks & Sweets

• Smoothies — Nut butters add body and protein to smoothies. They’re great in banana-based smoothies with spinach, cocoa, or berries. (dairy free)
• Energy Balls or No-Bake Bars — Mix nut butter with oats, seeds, dried fruit, and a bit of honey or maple syrup. Chill and roll/slice. (dairy free)
• Baked Goods — Substitute into muffins, cookies, or brownies. Replace up to half of the butter or oil in your recipe with nut butter for a richer, denser texture.
  💡Tip: Almond butter especially shines with chocolate and berries.

🍯 Versatile Toppings with Almond or Peanut Butter

• Drizzle for Puddings & Parfaits — Use thinned almond or peanut butter as a topping for chia pudding, parfaits, or yogurt bowls. (dairy free)
• Sweet Sauce for Pancakes, Fruit, or Ice Cream — Whisk almond butter with maple syrup and a splash of milk for an easy dessert drizzle.
• Dressing or Dipping Sauce — Use thinned peanut or almond butter (with soy sauce, citrus, and aromatics) as a dipping sauce for veggies, dumplings, or wraps. (dairy free)

🥜 Why Choose Local Nut Butter?

When you choose local nut butters—like the ones we carry from Nutty Novelties—you’re getting more than just great flavor. Small-batch producers use clean ingredients, skip the fillers and oils, and craft their nut butters fresh for better taste and texture. You’re also supporting sustainable practices, reducing food miles, and keeping your dollars in the local food economy. It’s a simple swap that’s better for your health, your community, and the planet.