My Nutty Holiday {National Peanut Butter Day, Sunday, Jan. 24}

Take a peek inside our family’s pantry, and you’ll see five different kinds of peanut butter. With almost an entire shelf dedicated to everyone’s favorite preferences, we are pretty prepared for a nutaggedon or even the nut-apocalypse. From the fully-hydrogenated, extra crunchy to the allergy-friendly sun nut butter, each jar holds prime real estate in our tiny pantry cupboards, and despite the fact that I’ve tried paring our jars down, they all seem to be a vital essential.

We take our nut butters seriously. Dare I say, we might even go a little nuts about it? 

Imagine my delight, then, when I learned that there is actually a National Peanut Butter Day, and we finally have an excuse to use it in every single meal of the day. Peanut butter has an interesting story, tracing all the way back to the Ancient Incas and Aztecs, working its way through history as an invaluable source of protein for the U.S. Army in World Wars I and II, and into the modern day as a household staple that can be used in several hundred different recipes. Because of its versatility in flavor, peanut butter is often the starring ingredient in sweet, savory, and even multicultural dishes.

This year, we are going to give peanut butter center stage for each meal of the day and have a little fun celebrating the holiday. 

Breakfast

Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich: Yes, I regularly eat this for breakfast. It’s quick and easy, and I’d like to think there’s a small healthy factor involved (protein, fruit… what’s not to love?). You could even channel your inner Elvis and grill the whole thing for an extra fancy oomph. 

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: If a PB&B just doesn’t appeal to you, try this recipe for a satisfying breakfast. It’s still quick and easy but more of a traditional, filling breakfast.

Lunch 

Classic PB&J: Not a lot of explanation is needed here. Call it a retro lunch – a flashback to your childhood – and enjoy all the memories of munching on your standard school meal. Include a mini carton of chocolate milk and you’re practically vintage. 

Salad with Peanut Dressing: Use whatever greens and veggies you have on hand and make a dressing like this one for a change of pace from the normal salad. 

Dinner

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce: You can try your hand at this recipe for a delicious dinner, but in full disclosure, I’ll be ordering from my favorite local Thai restaurant. And either way you try this dish, homemade or store-bought, it’s amazing. 

Peanut Soup: Try something new with this colonial recipe. It’s rich but a fun novelty for everyone – even those without an adventurous palate. 

Dessert

Buckeyes: What is an Ohioan without a buckeye? Buckeyes can vary in size and taste depending on family recipes, and it can get HEATED over who has the best buckeye. Try a classic recipe for a mouth-watering nutty dessert. 

Peanut Butter Fudge: I can’t honestly say I’ve successfully made peanut butter fudge, but my talented sister-in-law makes enough that I can comfortably eat my body weight every Christmas.

Our family has so many more peanut butter recipes that we enjoy on a regular basis. What are your favorite ways to eat peanut butter?