DIY Alternatives to butter

May 15, 2008 by  
Filed under Food & Nutrition

If you are looking to have less dairy in your diet, but don’t want synthetic margarines and spreads with their additives, you could always make up a healthy option yourself that will be full of healthy fatty acids, good cholesterol, and vitamin A. You can buy ‘olive oil’ spread in the supermarket, but this version is much better for you  and very easy to make.

Olive Butter Recipe

Whisk sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil together in a small bowl. Pour mixture into a small container and freeze for 4 hours, or until solid. Use like normal butter – but keep it in a jar in the fridge and it will keep for several months if stored in the freezer. You can of course add other flavours such as garlic or herb for savoury use.

If you want something different, and think you might have a low thyroid function then this recipe for coconut butter might be just the thing. Because of its potential ability to speed up metabolism, coconut oil is good for people with sluggish thyroid glands, as well as for anyone who find it difficult to shed unwanted weight.

Coconut Butter Recipe

Ingredients: 1/4 cup cocunut oil (solid form) and 1 tablespoon light miso. Use a spoon or fork to thoroughly mix miso with coconut oil, again store in the fridge and will stay fresh for two months if kept in the freezer.