A simple nut butter made with roasted cashews and unsweetened, shredded coconut
Move from the couch? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Those were the thoughts of ten-year-old Megan. Back in the day, physical activity was something I avoided at all costs.
But at that same time, my dad adopted a healthier lifestyle. He started running and switched to a vegetarian/vegan diet.
All things I met with great opposition.
With little success, he tried to get me to accompany him on runs. After much protest, he’d finally get me out the door – only for me to run down the block & then insist that that was all I could do.
Next – he started trail running and hiking. Fairly frequently, we’d go to a nearby park to hike. I’d complain the whole time – wouldn’t get out of the car, would walk five minutes and say, that’s enough – & then – he came up with an idea – If I walked with him, I’d get a milkshake at the end – oh yes, now you’re talking π
Well, after all that, a few years passed, and suddenly, I wanted to run with my dad. I really don’t know how it happened, but before I knew it, we were training for my first marathon together (his 10th or so.) We continued to train together for three more marathons (before my bones said, hey, we don’t really appreciate all this pounding π )
Besides the fact that my dad is a marathon runner, he’s a coffee roaster, reef hobbyist and tea connoisseur. He’s taught me how satisfying it is to create fresh and homemade goods, as opposed to store bought, and to value the intricacies of nature and life.
Growing up, he was in charge of my school lunches. These consisted of peanut butter sandwiches – & a special side – check that out here π So, in honor of all that bread/butter assembly, (and your coconut love) here’s a special nut butter just for you, Daddy. Let me know when you want your jar. Happy Father’s Day! Thanks for everything, I love you!
This nut butter is super easy to whip up. Simply add roasted cashews and shredded coconut to a food processor and blend until desired consistency is reached.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- 1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut, lightly packed (about 67 grams)
Instructions
- Place cashews and coconut in food processor. Process until nut butter forms. The longer it's processed the thinner the butter will be.
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a pretty tribute to your dad, Megan! My dad is an avid runner too (something I did not inherit from him!) and tries to eat healthier. I’ve never made my own cashew butter before, so I’m loving this version. I know I would devour this in no time!
The Emotional Baker says
This was only my second time making homemade nut butter and I’m already brainstorming new flavor ideas. You’ll love making your own, Gayle! Thanks π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The 2 best nut butters in one!!! I love how naturally sweet they are!
The Emotional Baker says
I agree! Thanks Rebecca π
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Hahahaha – your dad is a genius! Using a milkshake as a little motivation is a smart move! Also super smart – this butter! Buh bye plain butter, helllllllooo creamy cashew and coconut butter! This looks fabulous, girlfriend! I could legit put this on all the things! Cheers!
The Emotional Baker says
Ha ha! It’s definitely a versatile spread. Thanks Cheyanne π
John says
Great recipe for nut butter,can’t wait to try it
The Emotional Baker says
Hope you like it, John. Thanks π
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I enjoy making my own nut/seed butter, but haven’t tried the combo of cashew and coconut. First thought you used coconut oil when I read the title…then read through the recipe, I realized it was shredded coconut. Must give this combo a try next time. Thanks for sharing, Megan.
The Emotional Baker says
Next time, I plan on trying a batch with coconut oil. This was so tasty! Thanks Angie π
Manali@CookWithManali says
I have never made my own nut butter, that needs to change! this sounds delicious!
The Emotional Baker says
It’s so fun, Manali! You should try it π Thanks!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
This is so great! I love the simple ingredient list. What a great idea Megan !! Coconut and cashews are two of my favorites.
The Emotional Baker says
Mine too! Thanks Rahul π
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
I was the opposite as a kid, I had more energy and was always running around, sports, etc. But now I’m the big kid on the couch, lol. I love cashews and coconut together, they are a match made in heaven for this butter. Take care.
The Emotional Baker says
Yea, sports and I were not friends π unlike me and coconut and cashews! Thanks Stacey π
marcie says
Your dad sounds like he’s really inspired you — I love it! And making healthy, homemade food is one of the best things you can do too. This cashew butter sounds delicious and I love the addition of the coconut!
The Emotional Baker says
He has! Homemade is always the best. Thanks Marcie π
Mir says
Awww, so sweet! My bones couldn’t take the pounding either (one actually broke with a stress fracture), but I’m glad I learned that moving is important. And it’s amazing that you and your dad turned exercise into a bonding experience! He must be super proud of you.
Love cashew butter, always. Makes the best sandwiches!
The Emotional Baker says
I know all about stress fractures, Mir π & cashew butter sandwiches π Ha ha! Thanks Mir!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
Memories with our dads are the best – I miss mine so much! I’m definitely trying this cashew butter – love the coconut!
The Emotional Baker says
I think you’ll love it, Kate! Thanks π
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Dads are awesome! Seems like your dad has inspired you, Megan! This coconut cashew butter look so classic.
The Emotional Baker says
I agree π Thanks Anu!
Allie @ Miss Allie's Kitchen says
Ahh so sweet! My dad is also my running partner and the one who taught me to cook! How about that??!
The Emotional Baker says
How sweet! My dad has taught me a few kitchen tricks, too π Thanks Allie!
Blair says
Your dad sounds wonderful, Megan! What a great role model for healthy living! I look forward to the day that my little ones can run with me…and make me jars of Cashew Butter! π
The Emotional Baker says
ha ha, Blair! Bonding with exercise and in the kitchen is the best π
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
I’m not a fan of peanut butter (gasp!) so this is a great alternative for crazy people like me! π
The Emotional Baker says
I used to love it, but now it has a funny taste π I’m always in the search for alternatives. Thanks Eva!
cakespy says
OMG, this is the spread / nut butter of MY DREAMS. Thank you for reaching into my heart and soul and making this to please me. π Cos I’m sure that was your motivation. HA!
The Emotional Baker says
Ha ha! You know it. Thanks!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Aww… Happy Father’s Day to your amazing dad, Megan. π How wonderful that you made this amazing cashew butter in honor of his “bread/butter assembly.” π Three cheers for all of the cool dads like yours in the world. xo
The Emotional Baker says
Ha ha! Thanks Demeter π
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
Hooray for dad for being such a great motivator! I’m not a peanut butter fan but I do like almond butter….I’ll bet I’ll like cashew butter too!
The Emotional Baker says
I used to love PB, but now rely on other nut butters – my fave is cashew and then almond. Thanks Kathy π
David @ Spiced says
What a great post, Megan! You’re lucky to have such an awesome Dad, and your Dad is lucky to have such a talented daughter. Funny how that works out, right? Believe it or not, I’ve never actually made a nut butter here at home. But this coconut version is screaming my name right now. I might need to break down and go for it. Also, your Dad roasts coffee beans?? Awesome! That’s on my foodie bucket list for sure!
The Emotional Baker says
I just started making my own nut butter and now I’m hooked! & yes, he does roast his own coffee beans. It’s a precise process, but he makes the best coffee π
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
I just love this post! And you had me chuckling over here – I think a milkshake would get me to run too!! Too funny! This cashew butter sounds amazing. I’ve become obsessed with the jars of it at Trader Joes but it’s time I made some myself I think!
Liz says
What a sweet post! I always wanted to stay in the car, too, when my dad dragged my sisters and I out on one of his adventures! Turns out they were a lot of fun π Great nut butter–adding coconut sounds fabulous!!
Puja Darshan says
So tempting Megan. Trust me my mouth is watering now. Lovely sharing. Pinned
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Your dad sounds like a great guy, Megan! And what kid wouldn’t want a milkshake? So sneaky. I love all things coconut so I’m sure to love this coconut cashew butter. I bet this would also be a lovely addition to a smoothie!!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
“Move from the couch? Youβve got to be kidding me.” this line made my week. My dad was just like that when I was growing up. So kind with his motivation and now we message each other whenever we exercise and he is SO open to my vegetarian eating!! What a beautiful tribute. Here’s to our great dads, and this amazing cashew butter of course. Love how creamy it looks!