The Best Creamy Peanut Butter

It seems like everywhere, I am seeing the instructions for making one-ingredient peanut butter. The whole "one ingredient" thing is convenient, but since I grew up on the hydrogenated-oil laden stuff, the taste of the peanut-only peanut butter just doesn't cut it. Who is with me? Because if you are, this recipe is for you.

By simply adding a few extra ingredients, I was able to manipulate the flavor of this peanut butter to mimic its store-bought cousin. The flavor was not an exact match, but I actually thought that the taste was superior to what I grew up on. (Thanks, vanilla extract!)

Note: You will need a high powered food processor to make this get to the best consistency. I use a Ninja system.

The Best Peanut Butter
2 c. Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts
1 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
1 Tbsp. Agave Nectar*
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Process all ingredients an a strong food processor until desired consistancy is reached. First, it will become coarse like sand. The it will become a thick paste, like Play-Doh. Keep on processing until it becomes more like a liquid.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Feel free to play around with the ratios if you so desire.
*honey or maple syrup can be substituted.
~Liesl

Coconut Olive Oil Sugar Scrub

Last year when I was Christmas shopping, I stopped in Bath and Body Works. I love that place, and almost always go crazy trying out all those tester bottles of lotions, perfumes, and soaps. And don't even get me started on candle-smelling. (Oh my gosh, the mint chocolate chip!)

Anyways, it was there that I first discovered sugar scrubs. I was just going along, sampling basically everything, when suddenly my life got much better. It's shocking how smooth my skin gets from that stuff! But at $16 a bottle (I'm on a tight budget) I decided to forego the indulgence until a later time.

But on the ride home, the wheels in my head started turning. There had to be a easy, cheaper way to recreate the magical scrub. And so I did. Now this is not much like the chemical-laden stuff at Bath and Body Works, but it completes the job with the same outcome. Maybe if you want the same consistency as the stuff at the store, substitute your favorite lotion for the oils. I have not tried this, so let me know if it works!

 I like to use this on my legs after I shave. It makes them feel like butter! This also makes a cute gift for hostesses, party favors, etc.

Coconut and Olive Sugar Scrub

1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
3 Tbsp. Coconut oil

Optional: a few drops of your favourite essential oil for fragrance
Mix all ingredients until well combined. Add extra oil if you'd like a more spreadable consistancy. Store in an air-tight container, and avoid allowing liquids into container.

To use:
Rub the scrub against skin in a back and forth motion. Wash off with washcloth or running water.

- Liesl