The Many Ways to Eat Peanut Butter
This is dedicated to all those peanut butter fanatics out there. You know who you are. I considered writing an article on the latest from peanut butter addicts anonymous ... but I couldn't stand the pressure anymore.
Peanut butter is a pantry staple for many American homes. It lasts forever, it’s easy to eat, and kids love it. I still haven’t outgrown a good PB&J. Face it, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are just classic. Although some fun-hating adults complain that it is high in fat and calories, peanut butter in moderation is actually very nutritious. It is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and vitamin B3 (niacin). Plus, most of the fat content is of the unsaturated kind, which improves your cholesterol levels. Some people are very concerned about their cholesterol levels. Personally, I have (and I may be admitting an embarrassing level of ignorance here) no idea what cholesterol is or what level of cholesterol is desirable (I mean, first level, basement, what?), but I just thought you'd might like to know.
Which kind of peanut butter do you prefer?
When I was in high school, my family did the whole South Beach Diet thing. There were good things and bad things about that, but one of the foods that we were allowed to eat was peanut butter. I can’t remember if it started with South Beach or with the commencement of high school geometry and chemistry, but I became addicted to peanut butter. Maybe it was just my version of comfort food. I remember cold winter afternoons in the Colorado mountains: me in the spider-infested basement with a heavy textbook, then me in the kitchen with the jar of peanut butter. Somehow, I invented new ways to eat peanut butter. We all know the two main peanut butter foods: peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and ants-on-a-log (celery sticks covered in peanut butter and then raisins). But the real possibilities of eating peanut butter are endless.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal makes a hearty breakfast, but plain old oatmeal everyday can get rather bland. Add some peanut butter and maybe a little sugar after the oatmeal is cooked. The peanut butter adds some extra protein to make a more balanced meal.
Hot Chocolate
Weird, I know. But, if you think about it, peanut butter and chocolate is a great combination. Stir a spoonful of peanut butter into your mug of hot cocoa until the peanut butter melts.
S'mores
Everyone loves to eat a messy melty s’mores at a cookout or a bonfire. Spread a little peanut butter on the graham cracker below the piece of chocolate. Add marshmallows and devour.
The Elvis
People say that Elvis’s favorite sandwich was fried peanut butter and banana. Spread the outsides of two pieces of bread with butter. Spread the insides with peanut butter. Place banana circles inside the sandwich between the peanut butter sides. Fry on the stove like you would a grilled cheese sandwich.
Banana Bread
Speaking of banana and peanut butter together, try eating some banana bread spread with peanut butter instead of butter or cream cheese.
Vanilla Wafers
A great snack that kids might enjoy consists of vanilla wafers spread with peanut butter and topped with bananas.
Oreos
Oreos dipped into the peanut butter jar is a perfect way to pretend that dessert can be healthy.
Apples
If you really want to be healthy, add apples to your peanut butter. This is a great, hearty snack to keep you going.
Pretzel Sandwiches
My favorite sandwich is one I made up when I was a little girl. Spread two pieces of bread with peanut butter and line with small pretzel sticks. I don’t know anyone other than myself who’s ever eaten this sandwich, but trust me, it's really good.
Do you like peanut butter and pretzel sandwiches?
Recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Unbaked Cookies
Mix 2 cups sugar, 1 stick of butter, 1/2 cup canned evaporated milk, and 3 tablespoons cocoa in a saucepan. Boil for one minute. Remove from heat. Add 3 cups quick-cooking oats and 1/2 cup Peanut Butter. Mix and drop on waxed paped in spoonfuls. Let stand until set. Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.
More Recipes
- Recipe for a Winter's Day: Snow Cream
With Thanksgiving just around the corner and Christmas down the street, this time of year always makes me miss the mainland for a very important reason: Snow. I love... - Stuffing vs. Dressing: Holiday Recipes
Two generational recipes: Yankee stuffing and Southern cornbread dressing
Some more peanut butter sites to explore:
- Peanut Butter Lovers.com
"This web site is dedicated to all those who love peanut butter. Check out our favorite recipes or post your own in the recipe section, participate in our latest contest, find out how peanuts are grown and made into peanut butter..." - Peanut Butter - Peanut Butter History, Health Facts, Nutrition Data and Recipes
The real peanut butter portal: features extensive and detailed articles about the history, production, nutrition, health facts and recipes with peanut butter! - 10 Unique Uses For Peanut Butter
If those lawnmower blades or gears are getting a bit rusty and sticky try using peanut butter as a lube. It makes a excellent lube and in case you need a lube in a hurry almost everyone has a jar of peanut...