5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Peanut Butter Day

Did you know that National Peanut Butter Day is celebrated on January 24? This makes now the perfect time to try a new recipe with peanut butter or even revisit an old one!

Peanut butter is one of those classic foods that you probably remember eating fondly in your elementary school years. This food can be enjoyed traditionally with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or as delicious peanut butter cookies; there is no wrong way to enjoy it!

Peanut butter is one of those foods that is jampacked with nutrients. In 2 tablespoons of peanut butter there are about 8 grams of delicious plant-based protein. It also contains good amounts of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, just to name a few.

5 Fun Ways to Enjoy Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is typically sold as either crunchy or creamy, suiting whatever preference or needs you may have! With so many ways to use peanut butter, you may be curious about new recipes to try.

Here are 5 of my favorite recipes using peanut butter:

1. Instant Nice-Cream
   Put two frozen bananas in a food processor (a blender works too) and add two tablespoons of peanut butter. For an interesting twist add in a spoonful of jelly. Voila!

2. Peanut Butter Date Treats
   Take some mejdool dates, split them open down the middle, and fill with a small amount of peanut butter (about 1 teaspoon depending on the size of the date). Pop them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes until they are firm. A great on-the-go snack.

3. Peanut Butter Smoothies
   Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to any smoothie you enjoy for extra protein and healthy fat. This works especially well if you use banana, almond milk, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.

4. Peanut Butter Oatmeal
   Top your oatmeal off with a dollop of peanut butter or stir it in while cooking on the stovetop!

5. Use it as a Dip
   Try dipping celery, sliced apples, pretzels, or sliced pears in some peanut butter for a delicious and easy snack.

4 Tips to Spice Up Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Maybe you’re a traditionalist and love the classic Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich or perhaps your children do. What can you do to keep this traditional lunch item even better? Experiment with any of these 4 ideas:

1. Add Fruit
   Take some sliced banana or pomegranate seeds and layer it on top of the peanut butter for a delicious twist.

2. Toast It
   Toast the bread before or after dressing it with PB & J. This goes great with a cool glass of dairy or almond milk on the side.

3. Try Different Breads
   Instead of the bread you typically use, branch out! Try cinnamon raisin swirl, pumpernickel, whole wheat, or rye, for example.

4. Swap in Honey
   Looking for a little extra sweetness? Exchange the jelly for honey and keep the peanut butter.

There are many ways to enjoy peanut butter (one of my favorite foods). It should be noted that peanuts are one of the top eight common allergens. Be mindful of this, especially when sending your kids off to school where some of their classmates could be allergic.

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you have your peanut butter today? Let me know in the comments below!

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