Nuts about Nut Butters!

Some of my very favorite sweets are made with nut butters.... peanut butter, almond butter, and yes, I admit it -  Nutella.

Nut butters are very nutritious and can be enjoyed, in moderation, as part of a healthy food plan.  Most nut butter count 1P+ per tsp on the Weight Watchers Points Plus Program.

This recipe was inspired by one I first saw on Sweet Treats and More several weeks ago.  We had friends to lunch this past weekend and I wanted to make something special for them, and they happen to love almond butter.   So I used it instead of the peanut butter called for in the original recipe.  And, I lightened it up a bit by using 1/4 cup of applesauce mixed with 1/4 cup melted butter, instead of 1/2 cup melted butter.... a few less fat calories and P+ this way.

Of course you can use peanut butter or another nut butter if you prefer. 

Almond Butter Cookie Bars
Makes 24 servings 

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup almond butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

1. Stir together applesauce, melted butter, and sugars until thoroughly combined.
2. Add egg and mix well.
3. Stir in almond butter and vanilla and mix till smooth.
4. Add flours, baking powder, and salt; stir to combine.
5. Stir in oats and mix well.
6. Press mixture into a 9×13 pan that has been coated with a non-stick spray.
7. Bake at 350° F for 10 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
9. Return to oven till golden brown and baked through, about 8-10 more minutes.
10. Cool completely before cutting into 24 squares.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 3.
Calories 111; Protein 2g; Carbohydrate 16g; Fat 2g; Fibre 1g.

All wet ingredients stirred together.

Add both flours, baking powder, and salt and stir till smooth.

Press into prepared baking dish.

Bake until golden.

Cooled, cut, and ready to enjoy. Pour yourself a glass of milk!

Printable Recipe

Here is one of my favorite after-run recovery smoothies.  I like to sip on them while I am stretching.  It can be made with any milk product you like.

Nutella Smoothie

Makes 1 serving 

• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1/2 ripe banana
• splash of vanilla
• dash of Splenda
• 1 tsp Nutella

1.  Put all ingredients in blender jar and puree till smooth.

Per serving.

Weight Watchers P+ = 3 or 4. *

*

Note:

The nutritional information is going to vary with the type of milk used. Fat free dairy milk is a good choice and so is unsweetened Almond Breeze.  Rice milks or soy milks are higher in points plus values, generally.

I also love this smoothie made with almond butter or peanut butter.

Nut butters are very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways... in sweets, smoothies, sauces, and dips. 



Some Featured Recipes on this site using nut butters:

Warm Peanut and Sesame Noodles

Fruity Nut Butter Oatmeal

Dark Chocolatey Oat Mounds

Chocolaty Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dream 
 

Berry-ful Bliss



Almond Butter Pancakes



Grain-free Granola