It’s just the best when a dinner-party conversation takes on a life of its own. I like to throw out a question and see where it takes us. Last weekend we attended a party and I asked what I thought would be an easy-to-answer question…What’s your favorite food?
Wow, the comments and commentary on other’s favorites were hysterical! But the absolute best was my hubby’s choice of favorite food…peanut butter. Yes, peanut butter, not lobster or a thick juicy steak, ice cream or potatoes (definitely one of his favorites) but peanut butter. My man is a simple soul! He received a lot of ribbing from everyone that he has a 5 year old’s taste buds and why grow up and asking if he eats peanut butter and jelly for lunch (yes!).
Peanut butter is a staple in many homes. However, it’s wise to ask if there are any allergies before inviting someone over. One of my son’s friends is allergic to peanuts so we make sure not to make anything with peanut butter for a couple of days before he comes, and to fully clean the kitchen to ensure there is no trace of it. (Did you know peanuts are not true nuts?) Here is a site to learn more about caring for our allergic friends.
For those of us not allergic, peanut butter can be a healthy addition to our diet. While it’s high in fats (16 grams), just two tablespoons has 7-8 grams of protein (depending upon the brand). Peanut butter is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, niacin and vitamin B-6. It can help us feel fuller longer due to the protein, fats and fiber (1.9 grams). This aids in blood sugar stabilization, making it a diabetic-friendly and a heart-healthy choice. However, like all things, moderation is key. Peanut butter does have a lot of calories for 2 tablespoons (188) and saturated fat (3.3 grams) plus, depending upon the brand, it can be high in sodium (5 grams).
One of my hubby’s favorite things is opening a brand new jar of peanut butter. He makes a heart shape in the top with his knife as an homage to his love, before he plunges in for a scoop. His love is real! He likes every type of peanut butter but I’ve moved him from the brands of his youth to those that are “natural”. Traditional brands often have added sugars and other ingredients. According to the National Peanut Board, FDA regulations for a food to be labeled peanut butter, it has to contain at least 90% peanuts. The only other allowable ingredients are salt, sweeteners and hydrogenated vegetable oils. If it includes anything else, it’s classified as peanut butter spread. Make sure you read the labels. I like to serve natural peanut butter since it’s made with just peanuts and sometimes added salt. Because it doesn’t have added stabilizers, we keep our natural peanut butter in the fridge to maintain freshness.
All in all, my hubby’s choice of favorite food allows him to embrace many other foods where peanut butter is a featured ingredient, starting off with peanut butter sandwiches made with everything from jelly to bananas and apples. Let’s not forget Elvis’s favorite grilled peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich.Everyone at the table laughed but agreed that it’s a pretty tasty sandwich! My hubby loves peanut butter in his ice cream, in his yogurt, in his smoothies and of course in cookies. Because I know of his love of peanut butter I’ve embraced looking for new and interesting recipes that include peanut butter. Soups, dipping sauces, salad dressings and bases for Thai-inspired bowls…the options are endless!
The last question I asked that evening was Do you prefer crunchy or smooth peanut butter? We were off on another hilarious tangent of what makes one type of peanut butter better than the other.
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Bursting with flavor!