I happen to love peanut butter. So, when I discovered January 24th was National Peanut Butter Day, well, I was left feeling a little bit nutty. Okay, so that was a little corny. But, I really do love peanut butter. And I love that someone decided to honor it with its own day.
In the late 1800’s the first peanut paste was created and then early in the 1900’s peanut butter was finally introduced to the public. It started out being feed for animals. I don’t know about you, but I’m incredibly happy someone decided to experiment and develop the tasty confection for the human pallet. And now we have a National Peanut Butter Day!!
I’m sad for those who can’t enjoy snacking on peanut butter. Because we all know, some people are incredibly allergic and must avoid it at all cost. For those of us that can eat it though, what a yummy treat it is.
Even though it comes in a crunchy or creamy version, I prefer the creamy variety myself. Not to forget, peanut butter is a great source of protein and is actually a great way to sneak in a few extra vitamins. What about all those different nut butters that are available now days? If you haven’t tried some, please do. They are an oh, so very tasty snack option.
I’ve tried grinding my own peanut butter in the health food section at the local grocery. And sometimes I buy the kind you have to mix the oil in before eating. All-in-all, I’m really not choosy…. (unlike the old commercial, ‘choosey mothers choose Jif.’ Please tell me someone else remembers that commercial? Please?)
Let’s get down to business. I enjoy eating peanut butter in many different ways.
Here are a few of my favorites ways:
* Smearing a little on some cut-up apple slices.
* Dipping banana slices in a dab of peanut butter.
* Oh my goodness….peanut butter toast with a drizzle of honey was my absolute favorite childhood breakfast. A baby sitter introduced me to it when I was about eight years old and there wasn’t any turning back. These days I am more health conscious, so it’s more of an occasional treat…and on gluten free bread.
* The classic pb&j – with grape jelly, of course.
* Tossing a serving into my favorite smoothie or healthy shake.
* I don’t want to forget lettuce wraps that have a peanut sauce for dipping. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
* I can really get in trouble when I make a batch of peanut butter cookies….mmmm….
I even have a fun story to share about a bag of peanuts in the shell. Years ago I worked in a local office for a state agricultural company. One day I went out of my way for a client. As a thank you, he mailed me a 50 lb bag of peanuts in the shell! That was a lot of peanuts… and a lot of fun!! We all ate peanuts for days and days!!
