Celebrating National Peanut Butter Day!
January 24th marks National Peanut Butter Day, a celebration of one of America’s most beloved pantry staples. Altogether, whether you prefer it creamy or crunchy, peanut butter’s versatility makes it a favorite in various dishes, from breakfast to dessert.
A Brief History of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has been a dietary staple in the United States since the early 20th century. Its rich flavor and nutritional benefits have made it a favorite among all age groups. Today, it’s enjoyed in countless forms, from the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich to gourmet culinary creations.
Delicious Peanut Butter Recipes to Celebrate
To honor this delightful spread, we’ve compiled a list of recipes that showcase peanut butter’s versatility:
Peanut butter energy balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup smooth or chunky peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 3 Tablespoons chia seeds
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to mix. Once combined, scoop a small spoonful and form into a ball.
- Freeze or refrigerate until set and enjoy!
Peanut butter & banana smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 Banana
- 1/2 cup chunky or smooth peanut butter
- Drizzle of honey
- Milk to blend
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender – add a splash of milk to blend and honey to taste. Serve and enjoy.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 bags Hershey Kisses
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except Hershey Kisses and mix well.
- Shape into ½-inch balls and roll in sugar.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Add unwrapped Hershey Kisses to cookies 1 minute after baking.
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup of powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1¼ cups of vegan dark chocolate chips, or vegan dark chocolate broken into small pieces.
Instructions:
- Combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Mix to form a soft dough. If your peanut butter is very stiff, you can add a splash of plant milk to loosen it.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20 second increments, or on the stove in a double boiler.
- Fill your molds or cupcake liners with enough melted chocolate to cover the bottom.
- Take a small piece of peanut dough and shape into a disc, a little smaller than the mold, so the chocolate can cover the edges.
- Place dough on top of chocolate, and then cover with more melted chocolate.
- Repeat until you run out of dough & chocolate.
- Place in the fridge to set for 30 minutes or up to 2hrs depending on the size of the cups.
- Remove your vegan peanut butter cups from the molds.
- Enjoy a delicious pea-nutty treat!
Fun Ways to Enjoy The Day
Beyond these recipes, consider incorporating peanut butter into your daily meals:
Breakfast: Spread peanut butter on toast and top with sliced bananas or strawberries.
Lunch: Create a savory peanut sauce to drizzle over a vegetable stir-fry or noodle dish.
Dessert: Swirl peanut butter into brownie batter before baking for a decadent twist.
Health Benefits
Peanut butter is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.
Join the Celebration
This National Peanut Butter Day, embrace the versatility of peanut butter by trying out these recipes or creating your own culinary masterpieces.
