When you try homemade peanut butter, you'll never go back to buying the jarred stuff. Enjoy this smooth, creamy peanut butter with your favorite gluten-free crackers (I recommend Crunchmaster).
Add the peanuts to a baking sheet in a single layer, then roast them in your oven at 375º F for about 8-10 minutes. Roasting will help the peanuts release their oils, improving the peanut butter's spread and creaminess.
Add the slightly cooled peanuts to a food processor and process on high for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides 3-4 times, especially in the beginning. Be patient. Don't worry, the peanuts will look like a hot mess and go through various forms. They will eventually turn into creamy peanut butter, and that's when you know they're ready to be enjoyed.
Once the peanut butter is smooth and creamy, add a pinch of salt (a little goes a long way) and a drizzle of raw honey. Mix the peanut butter for about 20-30 seconds until just combined. The honey may stiffen the peanut butter. If it hardens too much, add a teaspoon of neutral-flavored vegetable oil to smooth it out. Only add a little oil until you achieve the desired texture.
Notes
Yields about 2 cups of peanut butter (enough to fill 1 8-ounce mason jar)Store the peanut butter at room temperature and enjoy it for up to two weeks. If you think it'll take you longer to use it, you can store it in your fridge for 1-2 months.A few things might affect the smoothness of the peanut butter.(1) Did you blend the peanuts long enough? Be patient. It may take the full 10 minutes for the peanuts to turn into creamy butter. Every food processor is slightly different; some may blend slower or more thoroughly than others.(2) Another issue could be that your peanuts are not fresh. I once used peanuts slightly past their prime and noticed the peanut butter struggled to come together and didn't taste right. Use fresh peanuts for the best results.(3) Be sure to use dry-roasted peanuts. Raw peanuts may not blend well and don't taste as good, either.(4) The honey can stiffen the peanut butter, so add only what you need, and don't overmix it after adding it. If it's too stiff, add a little neutral vegetable oil to the peanut butter and blend in your food processor for 30-45 seconds to incorporate. Add a little oil at a time until you reach the desired consistency.