You know you're the kind of person who has a jar of creamy almond butter in the pantry - right? Seriously. You know how people usually open it up, put it on their toast, and that's it? Well, that's like owning a sports car and using it to go shopping. Almond butter is one of those ingredients that sneaks its way into your heart, and soon you'll be hooked.

Here's five delicious ways to fall in love with this creamy, nutty spread, all over again.

1. Almond Butter Banana Smoothie Bowl

First things first, breakfast because there's no need to rush your granola bar. Mix one frozen banana, two tablespoon of smooth almond butter, a dash of oat milk and a handful of ice until it's the consistency of ice cream. Spoon into a bowl and top with your favourite toppings such as sliced strawberries, granola, chia seeds and honey. The almond butter gives this mouth-watering creaminess that keeps you full and satisfied, and the banana's natural sweetness means ditch the sugar. It's what makes you feel like you're on it, even if you're not.

2. Almond Butter Fruity Energy Balls

These balls are magic. Almond butter and fruity makes them stand out above the rest. Here's why you should make them this weekend:

• What you need: 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup creamy almond butter, 3 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots, 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, and a pinch of sea salt (all tossed together in a bowl - no-bake recipe)

• Why it works: Almond butter is great as a kind of binder (and it has protein and good fats), and the dried fruit provides little explosions of flavour which is kind of a different kind of sweet when you need something at 3pm

• How they work: It's just rolling the mixture into golf ball-shaped balls and placing on a tray, then chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes

They are great in the refrigerator for up to seven days (and meal prep has never been so delicious!).

3. Thai-Inspired Almond Butter Noodles

Yes, it's Thai-inspired, but it's quick to make (it takes about 15 minutes) and you get to use pantry staples. Boil your noodles (rice noodles or spaghetti are both great options), and while they're cooking, whisk together three tablespoons of creamy almond butter, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, a teaspoon of sesame oil, a splash of lime, a bit of honey and a pinch of chili flakes. Add the noodles and toss with shredded carrot, cucumbers, peanuts and cilantro.

The almond butter sauce is creamy, nutty, and sweet and sour, with a touch of spice. It's one of those recipes that looks complicated but is quick and easy to make.

4. Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

All you have to do to make these almond butter chocolate chip cookies is to swap some of the butter and sugar in your traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe for creamy almond butter. Something happens when the fat changes - they're chewier, thicker and more delicious. Mix together ½ cup almond butter, ½ cup brown sugar, an egg, a teaspoon of vanilla, half a teaspoon baking soda and a good handful of chocolate chips. Mix, scoop, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They'll come out golden brown with a slight crunch and the almond butter fruity will complement the chocolate chips.

5. Almond Butter Overnight Oats

This is the last recipe, and probably the simplest. In a jar, combine half a cup of rolled oats, three-quarters cup of your milk of choice, two tablespoon of almond butter fruity, one tablespoon of maple syrup and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix it together, close the lid and stick it in the fridge. Wake up in the morning to a delicious and filling breakfast that's waiting for you in the refrigerator. Top it with fresh fruit and a few almond slices and you've got breakfast, lunch and dinner all in one.

Conclusion:

Almond butter is more than a spread, it's a kitchen superstar. It's easy to use and it adds flavour and texture to both sweet and savory. Try one of these this week and you'll be wanting to use it beyond toast.