Peanut Butter and banana on Vogels grainy toast has to be my ultimate favourite breakfast. I love Peanut Butter. I eat it everyday, whether it be on toast or in a smoothie, on top of granola or on a rice cake. It has become my ‘go to’ sweet treat. Its probably not the best thing to eat everyday, but its a lot better than other baking I can think of. And while being in Canada, I have tried a fair few peanut butter brands to see which one I prefer, none are quiet like Pics Peanut Butter though.
Earth Balance Peanut Butter has won me over! Not the cheapest, I know, but worth it! And it has to be CRUNCHY! I know there is the great debate between crunchy and smooth peanut butter , but my preference is definitely crunchy. No doubt about it! There’s nothing more indulgent than licking peanut butter off a spoon, (all those peanut butter lovers have done it, I am sure.)
Often people think of peanut butter to be bad for you because of the childhood memories of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Two pieces of white bread smothered with a thick layer of peanut butter, topped with strawberry or raspberry jam. But peanut butter actually is full of good nutrients, fiber, good fats and protein that fills you up.
I also love putting peanut butter in baking and desserts. (works great in vegan baking). But I have to admit, smooth peanut butter is easier to use in baking. So the best conclusion for the smooth and crunchy debate, is to just keep a jar of each in your pantry. Easy as that.
I wanted to share with you some awesome recipes that are so tasty, they are addictive and they include peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter Cups
These are one of my favourite treats! And this recipe only requires 5 ingredients, can it get any simpler?
Ingriedents:
- 1 1/2 cups of dark chocolate chips (dairy free chocolate chips for vegans)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
- 1/2 cooked chickpeas (drained)
- 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
Method:
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove top. Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the melted chocolate into the bottom of a muffin tin or tart case. It is best to use silicone muffin cases so it is easier to unwrap the peanut butter cups to eat. Make sure the melted chocolate covers the bottom of the of the case and you can swirl the chocolate up the sides if you would like to. Place in freezer to set. Blend chickpeas in a food processor until crumbly. Add the peanut butter and maple syrup and pulse until you get a thick mixture (not liquid form). Roll the mixture into small balls that are able to fit in your muffin tin or tart case. Place the ball of mixture into each muffin or tart cup and pat down gently. Pour approximately 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate onto each muffin tin to create the top layer. Make sure it covers all of the peanut butter mixture. Place in freezer for at least 20 minutes. Unwrap and enjoy.
2. Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies are more of a trick than a recipe. They are perfect for a bake sale or baking needed in a hurry. Although they are not totally homemade, they do look it and the taste amazing!
Ingredients:
- 1 packet original digestive cookies (any plain cookies you prefer would most likely work)
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup peanut butter (depends on how much you love peanut butter)
- 2 cup chocolate chips
- 4 teaspoons coconut oil
Method:
Create cookie sandwiches using the digestive cookies and peanut butter. Spoon a teaspoon or tablespoon of peanut butter (totally up to you) on to one digestive cookie and place another cookie on top to make a cookie and peanut butter sandwich. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove top. Dip your cookie sandwiches in the melted chocolate to create a coat. Then place the chocolate coated cookie onto a baking sheet or baking paper. Repeat with all your cookie sandwiches. Place in fridge for at least 20 minutes or until chocolate is set. Then you can eat them – Yum!
Both recipes are so quick and easy to make, but taste so good. I am a peanut butter lover and after eating these sweet treats, I am sure you will be too. Please let me know if you have any other great recipes using peanut butter that I should try!
And that is your food forecast for the 2nd October.
The Food Forecasts 