For the Love of Peanut Butter: Four Recipes You Must Have

Peanut Butter - for those of us who love it, we just can't get enough. These four peanut butter recipes will quench your PB cravings and leave you with a smile. From breakfast to treats and even a fruit dip, peanut butter makes almost everything better.

PB Crispy Treats

For a terrific peanut butter treat, try this twist on your regular old marshmallow crispy squares!

You will need:
1 package of marshmallows (10 oz. Size)
6 cups of crisp rice cereal
3 tablespoons of butter or margarine
1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter

Prepare a 13 x 9-inch pan by lightly greasing the bottom and sides of the pan. Next, using a large saucepan melt the butter over low heat. When butter is melted you will add your marshmallows to the pan. Stir together until the marshmallows have completely melted. Turn off the heat and stir in your creamy peanut butter. When the mixture in the pan has been well blended, add the crisp rice cereal. Stir it in well enough to coat all of your cereal. Press the mixture into the buttered pan. Let pan cool completely and then cut into pieces.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal

For a great quick and delicious breakfast try this tasty PB oatmeal.

You will need:
2 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of quick-cooking rolled oats
1/3 cup of well-packed brown sugar
1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine

In a medium saucepan bring the water and salt to boiling. Add the quick-cooking oats and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in the brown sugar, peanut butter, and the butter or margarine. When well mixed, grab a spoon and enjoy!

Creamy PB Dip

This creamy peanut butter dip is perfect for a variety of your favorite fruits. Try this at your next gathering or picnic and its guaranteed to please.

You will need:
2 cups of skim milk
1/2 cup of sour cream
1 package (3.4 oz. size) vanilla flavored instant pudding
1cup of creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup of sugar

In a medium sized bowl combine the skim milk, pudding mix and sour cream. Whisk the ingredients until they are a smooth consistency. Next you will need to add the peanut butter and your sugar. Now whisk again until the newly introduced ingredients are also well blended. You may now slice your favorite fruit and enjoy this delicious PB dip. This dip may also be refrigerated if you desire. If the refrigerated dip is too thick for your liking, simply mix in a little more milk until the dip becomes more smooth and creamy.

Classic Peanut Butter Lovers' Cookies

This classic peanut butter cookie is always a favorite. For that extra little treat for the taste buds be sure to try the add-on ideas at the end!

You will need:
1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups of brown sugar, well packed
1 cup of chopped unsalted peanuts
3/4 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine
3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 egg
3 tablespoons of milk
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of granulated sugar

Start with preheating the oven to 375 degrees. In a medium sized bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped peanuts, baking soda, and salt. Stir together until it is well combined and set aside. Next you will need a large bowl to mix the butter, peanut butter, egg, milk and vanilla extract. Cream the ingredients using an electric mixer on low speed. Now add the dry ingredients from the first bowl and blend with the mixer on low speed until well combined. Now, use your hands to form the dough into small 2-inch balls. Place the 1/4-cup of sugar in a bowl, and roll the balls in the sugar enough to coat them. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten each one with the tines of a fork making a crisscross pattern. You should dip your fork in sugar to help prevent it from sticking to the cookies. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies have turned light brown in color. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, you may serve these delightful peanut butter cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

For an extra taste sensation try topping your fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies with one of the following:
Chocolate candy kisses
Peanut butter chips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Finely chopped unsalted peanuts

There you have it - four recipes that any peanut butter fan will fall in love with. From breakfast to snacks to delicious desert, peanut butter is the perfect special ingredient. Enjoy!