The Many Ways to Eat Peanut Butter
By Rose West
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?
See results without votingWhen 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.
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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?
See results without votingRecipe 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
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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...
Comments
Peanut butter has possible beginnings in ancient South American civilization. Sources are confused as to whether or not Carver actually invented peanut butter in modern times. I don't believe he patented it if he did. But Carver did popularize many uses of the peanut, so I suppose he is the father of peanut butter lovers. Just a random fact.
Banana, peanut butter, and chocolate chips - now that I have to try :)
I've made someone a peanut butter sandwich but I've never eaten it the smell puts me off and I do not know why. Now I am wondering - maybe I am missing out.
Never ever!?! You have to at least try it ... on second thought, you might be in danger of becoming an addict like the rest of us.
I enjoyed reading your Hub and love Peanut butter. I sometimes eat it straight from the Jar but that's just b/w you and me. Well, I didn't know it had such a healthy element to it - just thought it was fattening. No more guilt trips. lol.
Thanks.
Thank you for reading, Lady_E! I confess, I've eaten it straight from the jar as well :) It's just so good! Rest assured, as long as you don't eat the whole jar in one sitting, you can enjoy peanut butter knowing it is indeed good for you.
I prefer peanut butter without hydrogenated oils! It's best on wheat bread.
Great hub, thanks for sharing.
martycraigs, thanks for reading! Natural peanut butter is good, though I think it tastes a little different than more mainstream kinds.
A delightful and well written piece. Two things crossed my mind as I read. Each time you refer to your childhood, I want to hear more - maybe a short story or novel. I'll read it!
The other is how did you place the choices and voting button on this Hub?
Thanks,
Tony
Thanks for the encouragement, Tony! Fiction is actually what I love to write best, but I don't publish any of it on my hubpages site. Maybe someday I'll get my fiction work in print, and then I'll be sure to let you know!
When you edit a hub, you can add different kinds of capsules, the most basic being text, photo, and comments capsules. Adding a poll capsule is just as easy as adding new text capsules. The capsule options should be along the top or to the top right of the edit page. I hope this helps!
I have a great peanut better cookie recipe that is so simple and a great way to indulge in the delight of PnB
Tori, MMM, I love peanut butter cookies! You should share your recipe with the hubpages world!
Peanut butter is a staple food in our home,
Same here, Bob! Where would we be without peanut butter? Hungry.
I had a camping job where one of the snacks was carrots with peanut butter. I thought that was a ridiculou combination, but it really tasted good.
Betty, carrots and peanut butter is a great combination, and it's healthy too :) Thanks for sharing!
I consider hot chocolate, peanut butter, and s'mores all in my top ten favorite foods and beverages. Yet, I've never thought to add peanut butter to my hot chocolate or s'mores. I can't wait to try this. Thanks for the idea!
I hope you enjoy it as much I do, geekchick! There are so many possibilities with the PB :)
I'm such a HUGE peanutbutter fan! I loved this hub!! My eyes popped when I saw it! Wonderful idea, I will defiantly be using the recipes !! Thanks:)
Hi lulubell, nice to meet another pb fanatic :) I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Does anyone eat peanut butter with a spoon upside down to keep the PB from sticking to the roof of the mouth?
Gene, great idea! Wonder why I never thought of that...
I'm strill drooling over your Hub! I'm trying every single one of your ideas! Voted up! I've linked your Hub to mine as well. LOVE IT!
http://rusticliving.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Make-M
Lisa
Hi Rusticliving, isn't peanut butter the best? Enjoy! Thank you for the rating and for the link - I appreciate it.
Jane Grey 2 years ago
The new George Washington Carver has spoken! I am a huge peanut butter fanatic and I guarantee I will be trying these out. My particular favorite that you just might have to add to this delicious list is to spread peanut butter on a banana that's been sliced down the middle lengthwise. You can top it with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or marshmallows too.