Super Peanut...Butter to Spread the Wealth

Peanut butter has been a childhood favorite in America for decades. Whether is crunchy, creamy, or a hint of      chocolate or honey, it makes one the best sandwiches! The protein-packed nutty goodness isn't just for kids anymore- adults have taking a sweet liking to the gooey tasty treat. Seeing it's packed with vitamins and nutrients it has become a necessary staple towards a healthy balanced diet.

Although small, peanut butter packs a wallop! Harvesting several key nutrients such as folate, magnesium, niacin, potassium and healthy fats, its been known to improve blood cholesterol levels. Peanut butter is also excellent source for a vegetarian diet. Just a 2 tbsp serving give your body 8 grams of protein. However, there are calories to consider. The same 2 tbsp serving has up to 188 calories, which can add up quickly depending how much is consumed. And that's not factoring in jelly or bread. So the key rule- as with anything else is moderation and portion control. Be smart, peanut butter used as part of a healthy diet says alot for the delicious spread!

Time to Eat!

Here are 2 Peanut Butter recipes. Hope you'll enjoy!

Peanut butter, Honey & Banana Panini

What you need:

1/2 cup of your fave creamy spread

4 slices of white or whole grain or waffles*

2 bananas 

2 tbsp honey

nonstick cooking spray

Cook It!

cut the bananas in halves, lengthwise

spread peanut butter on slice (or both if you like)

squeeze honey evenly over slices

lightly coat press with spray

cook for 5 minutes

*Psst! for a more decadent treat, sub bread with brioche and drizzle with melted milk chocolate*

Peanut butter Macaroons

What you need:

2 large egg whites

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 cream of tartar

3/4 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter

Cook It!

heat oven to 325F. line cookie sheet with parchment paper

beat egg whites, salt & cream of tartar in a bowl until foamy. sprinkle in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beat until stiff peaks are formed.

place butter in a safe bowl and microwave on HI 1 minute

fold peanut butter into egg mixture

drop mixture 1 inch apart on cookie sheet

bake 20 minutes or until lightly brown

cool 5 minutes

place on wire rack to cool completely