Ah, peanut butter, the perennial favorite with multiple uses. From the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich to peanut butter as a gum-from-hair removal product, peanut butter has earned its place in American culture. In fact, peanut butter is so popular that November has been designated as Peanut Butter Lover’s month.
This tasty treat comes from humble beginnings. Although we know that the Aztecs mashed peanuts into a paste, the modern version of peanut butter has been credited to Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, creator of Kellogg’s cereals. Created as a protein substitute for patients without teeth, the flavor caught on and became popular among people everywhere. The product was improved upon by many other inventors and evolved to the product we know today, in creamy and crunchy varieties. In fact, peanut butter is so popular that Americans consume an average of three jars per person per year.
Do you have a peanut butter lover in your life? Celebrate Peanut Butter Lover’s month with one of these tasty peanut butter recipes.
Homemade Peanut Butter
Put 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts into a blender or food processor. Add 2 tablespoons oil and ¼ tsp. salt. Grind, adding more oil if necessary. Eat on crackers or with apple slices.
Peanut Butter Balls
Stir together 1 cup peanut butter, ¼ cup honey, and 1 cup instant dry milk powder until smooth. Add 1 cup mini chocolate chips. Shape into balls and store in the refrigerator.
We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite – creamy or crunchy? If you don’t (or can’t) serve peanut butter at your house, what is your favorite snack?
