Amie Valpone is a celebrity chef based in New York City and editor-in-chief of TheHealthyApple.com. Specializing in simple, gluten-free recipes, Amie has been featured in numerous magazines and on well-known websites, as well as TV, Fox News reports.

Ah, the glorious world of nut butters. Doesn’t it feel like you are cheating on healthy eating when you load a fresh slice of gluten-free bread with chocolate almond butter, or mash a banana with cacao nibs, cinnamon and cashew butter?

It’s true, I’m a little nut butter obsessed. 

Nothing is quite as satisfying as my favorite nuts blended into perfection. And yet, I know that when I incorporate nut butter into my meal I’m also adding good fats, protein and vitamins into my diet. The more nutrients we get from our daily food intake - as opposed to from supplements - the better.

Once you’ve got your favorite nut butter it’s time to get cooking. Breakfast, lunch, dessert, snacks—you can really incorporate this flavorful protein into any meal. Start by trying these delicious nut butter treats.

1. Layer nut butter with yogurt and fresh fruit for a sweet parfait.

2. Pull out the hand mixer and stir in nut butter, powdered sugar, a little butter and a dash of vanilla and you have a healthier yet just-as-sweet take on frosting.

3. Bake your own protein “cookies” with nut butter and your favorite granola.

4. Spread nut butter on celery and top with raisins.

5. Add it to Asian-inspired dishes like curry and satay for a savory take on nut butter, or whisk into apple cider vinegar and honey for a sweet and tangy dressing.

6. If you’re really feeling fancy, smother fresh fish like trout with nut.