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8 Great Gourmet Nut Butters to Buy and Make Yourself

Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches Will Never Be the Same Again

By , About.com Guide

Kids won't get bored with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made with these gourmet peanut butters. With flavors like vanilla cranberry and chocolate pretzel, these peanut butters are anything but ordinary.

Plus, peanut butter has no cholesterol and is an excellent source of vegetable protein, fiber, magnesium and folate.

Kids allergic to peanut butter? No problem. You can make any of my recipes with almonds, walnuts, cashews or any of your favorite tree nuts. And many of these store-bought gourmet flavors come in almond butters or walnut butters, too.

1. Homemade Chocolate Cherry Peanut Butter

Chocolate Cherry Peanut ButterStephanie Gallagher
You probably have everything you need to make this homemade gourmet peanut butter in your pantry right now. This chocolate cherry peanut butter tastes great on its own, or spread over toasted waffles for a sweet sandwich the kids will go crazy for.

2. Homemade Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter

Chocolate Pretzel Peanut ButterStephanie Gallagher
Salty and sweet meet in this dessert-like peanut butter recipe. It couldn't be easier to make, and the kids just love it. Spread this chocolate pretzel peanut butter on bread and top it with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a scrumptious sandwich treat the kids will adore.

3. Homemade Chocolate Soy Nut Butter

Chocolate Soy Nut ButterStephanie Gallagher
Though not technically a peanut butter, this recipe deserves a place in every parent's repertoire. It's sweet, wholesome and loaded with protein. Spread this chocolate soy nut butter on challah for a yummy breakfast treat that will keep the kids satisfied for hours.

4. Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Peanut Butter

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Peanut ButterPeanut Butter & Co.
This peanut butter is delightful on its own. But my favorite way to enjoy it is topped with sliced Granny Smith apples and grilled. The sweet-tart apples pair beautifully with the homey sweet cinnamon raisin taste. Spread it on homemade French bread, and you're in for a real treat.

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5. Tropical Traditions Vanilla Cranberry Peanut Butter

Vanilla Cranberry Peanut ButterPeanut Better
Sweet vanilla and tart cranberries combine to make a tasty treat in this gourmet flavored peanut butter. Spread this peanut butter on cinnamon raisin bread and top it with shredded Granny Smith apples for a real sweet-tart flavor sensation.

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6. P.B. Loco Jungle Banana Peanut Butter

P.B. Loco Jungle Banana Peanut ButterP.B. Loco
Elvis wasn't the only one to appreciate the combination of peanut butter and banana. This gourmet spread has the subtly sweet flavor of banana mixed right into the peanut butter.

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7. Style Peanut Spread White Chocolate Blueberry Peanut Spread

white chocolate gourmet peanut butterPhotos by Eyerisworks
This peanut butter is decadence defined. Organic dried blueberries are mixed into a white chocolate flavored-peanut spread. The only drawback: At $12 for a tiny, four-serving jar, this peanut butter is pricey. You can see why the company is marketing it product line as the peanut butter to the stars.

8. Futters Nut Butters Chocolate Walnut Butter

Chocolate Walnut ButterFutters Nut Butters
Kids can't take peanut butter to school? No problem. Send them in with a sandwich made with this chocolate walnut butter, and they'll be begging you for this lunch again and again. Plus, walnuts are loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. So even though this walnut butter tastes like it can't be good for you, it's actually quite healthy.

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