Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon

We’ve got a heavier post today, but bear with me because it’s paired with a step by step picture tutorial to make your own homemade Cinnamon Cashew Butter! It’s clean, easy and best of all has only 2 ingredients! Cashews are a great source of protein and healthy fats, too. Even better? It requires no oil, added sugars, or chemicals so it’s healthier than most of the packaged variety you find at the grocery store. So, what are you waiting for?! Let’s get blending.

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon

Sorry guys, this will be a bit of a heavy post, but it will come with a tasty picture tutorial on how to make a comfort food of mine, because after this post we are going to need some comfort. Today’s comfort special? Nut butter! Specifically cashew butter. Yum.

Ok, so in my last post I was describing some things that have been going on in my life recently, both good and bad. Unfortunately one of those bad things is on the much more serious side. One of the intern at the place I’m working at decided to commit suicide. I didn’t know the person, but I was suppose to meet them today. Even being somewhat on the outside, I can see the wide repercussions this event has already had. It’s difficult seeing all the emotions, or having an attending just start crying in front of you. The program and the people in that particular residency are reeling and I can’t even imagine how the family is feeling. My prayers and thoughts go out to them and anyone who is trying to come to terms with what happened.

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
Hot and toasty

One of the many medical topics I had considered covering in upcoming posts was depression. Now, I am more committed to doing it to help you be able to recognize depression in yourselves, or those who are close to you. So, stay tuned for that.

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
Ready for the blender

This incident, though, is devastating in so many ways. It is so hard and takes a lot of work to become and continue to be a doctor. There are pressures put on you from so many different angles. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, there is a huge emotional, mental and even physical toll that this job can take on you.

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
First blend makes it powdery

Also, unfortunately, those in my profession are at significant risk for things like burnout and depression likely because of the demands placed on us. Even worse?  We  have a very significantly higher risk of suicide than the average population and remains so even when compared to other professions. We are also much more likely to complete suicide (in our world we differentiate between suicide attempts and those who successfully complete their suicide attempt) than the average person. I imagine this is solely because of our knowledge base.

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
Keep going! Scrap down the sides when you stop making progress

Even though we have a much higher risk, these things can affect anyone. I just ask you to be aware of others. Notice if things don’t seem right. Say a (genuine) kind word if you see someone is having a hard day. Kindness, however small, can really make a difference. Take the time to ask if everything is ok. If you yourself feel down, talk to someone! Try and get help. Setting up an appointment with your primary care doctor (or go straight to a psychiatrist) can be a way to get started finding what resources and treatments are available.

Just about there. Blend for a bit longer to make it melty
Just about there. Blend for a bit longer to make it melty

There are a number of specific resources available for those who are depressed, needing someone to talk to, or contemplating suicide. One such resource is the national suicide prevention lifeline. 1-800-273 TALK (8255). This hotline is available 24/7. it is confidential and the people answering the phones are trained specifically to deal with these types of calls. It can be a great resource for those who need it. Know someone who is at risk? You can also call this number and find out what resources are available in your area to help that person. You may be surprised, especially in our modern world, how much is out there and available for you or for someone who is at risk.

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
Super smooth

Now onto the comfort food. As you’ve seen in the post, this is the way I make homemade cashew butter. Unlike most pre-packaged nut butters found in the store this one has no oil, or sugar, or other chemicals added. It’s perfectly clean and only requires 2 ingredients. So, if you’ve never tried making homemade cashew butter before, now you can see how easy it is! Looking for ways to use it? You can try out a few of the recipes I have on the blog so far that request cashew butter such as:

Toasted Coconut and Cashew Butter Chocolate Protein Oatmeal

Double Chocolate Raspberry Protein Notmeal

Low Carb 6 Ingredient Clean Vegan Fudgy Protein Brownies

Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
Cinnamon Cashew Butter
Yum
Print Recipe
Cinnamon Cashew Butter and a dash of cinnamon
Cinnamon Cashew Butter
Yum
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Servings:
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 and place your cashews on a baking pan.
  2. Roast the nuts for ~8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them.
  3. Once a deep golden brown, take them out and place them into your blender (or food processor) and blend for a few seconds
  4. Add cinnamon and continue to blend until smooth (stop every once in a while to scrap down the sides)
Recipe Notes
  1. The more nuts you use, the easier it is to blend them. Therefore, I recommend no less than 2 cups per batch
  2. Keep a close eye on your nuts while roasting. I find that once you start smelling them, then they are done or just about done. Keep a close eye on them especially if you start to smell them
  3. I like to blend the nuts a bit before adding the cinnamon because then it is better incorporated into the butter rather than falling to the bottom of the blender
  4. Be patient! It takes time to blend. You DO NOT need to add oil. The nuts have plenty of natural oils and once they break down to release them, you will get a smooth, melty nut butter. Patience is the key
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29 thoughts on “Homemade Oil Free Cinnamon Cashew Butter

  1. I’m sorry about the intern at your work. I cannot imagine how it would feel that nothing could be done to make myself feel better and bring myself out of a dark place (and I am someone who suffers from depression). I’ve known people to attempt suicide, fortunately, not successfully and I appreciate you bringing this to light so people know the signs to look for and what to do to help.

  2. I’m so sorry, that is terrible… I know the pressure & stress that everyone deals with in healthcare and it does not seem to be getting any better…

  3. wow, i don’t even know what to say. first off, i’m a nutrition major/pre-med undergrad, so we have very similar views on food & medicine, and i’m so happy to have found your blog through the RR!
    that being said, i know the suicide and depression rates are sadly so so high in the field, i feel like almost everyone knows someone dealing with mental and emotional struggles. i am so sorry he felt that way. i hope you and the rest of his friends and family are able to get through it and be strong <3 sending love.

    1. That’s awesome! And a great combo of majors. I’m so glad you found my blog as well! It’s always great connecting with others. What year are you in your undergraduate studies? Thank you for your kind words. It affected me much more negatively than anticipated so that makes my prayers go out that much more to those who knew him well. It is unfortunately alarming how high the rates are, and I hope more awareness/support can be brought to the issue.

  4. So sorry to hear of the intern’s suicide. It does have a wider impact than the person probably even thought! It’s interesting to me that as a 60-something I’m asked ever time I go to the doctor – “are you depressed?” so I think it’s great the medical profession is so aware and watching for depression. Love cashew butter – thanks for posting! Blessings, Janet

    1. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the impact is surprising. I’m even surprised at how negatively it affected me and I didn’t even know the person. I’m very glad to hear that you are being screened! I love cashew butter too 🙂 Yum!

  5. Oh I love making my own nut butters and adding cinnamon just make it so much more delicious! 🙂

    Suicide is such a hard thing to talk about but I think you have done it well. Such a touching post I hope this makes people more aware of the support that out there – I know it’s hard.

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