Peanut Butter: Great Snack Ideas for My Favorite Treat

If I was stranded on a deserted island with only one item to eat, hands-down, I would want it to be peanut butter.

I absolutely love the stuff! The taste is fabulous. The texture, whether it be crunchy or creamy, is fantastic. I can eat it with a spoon right out of the jar. It is loaded with plant protein and although it does contain fat, more than 80% of the fat is the unsaturated, good fat that is said to lower cholesterol. Peanut butter contains no cholesterol or any detectable trans-fats. It also contains other nutrients such as niacin, magnesium, and phosphorus. In the United States, peanut butter, by law, must contain 90% peanuts. You cannot go wrong with peanut butter (unless of course, you don't like it!)

Ground peanut paste was first sold by George A. Bayle Jr. in 1890 as a vegetarian protein supplement to people with bad teeth. In 1895, John Harvey Kellogg and his brother W.K. Kellogg patented a process for making peanut butter using steamed peanuts. Peanut butter was introduced widely by C.H. Sumner during the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Peanut butter has come a long way. You can read more about the history of peanut butter at Wikipedia.com.

Peanut Butter is such a versatile food. People of all ages enjoy the many brands and varieties available. Here are some of the great ways to enjoy peanut butter.

Smear peanut butter on celery sticks - a crunchy snack.

Spread peanut butter on graham crackers - a tasty treat.

Peanut butter & honey sandwiches - my son's favorite.

Peanut butter and jam/jelly sandwiches - kids everywhere love these.

Put a big glob of peanut butter on a banana - great way to get potassium.

Peanut butter on a piece of warm toast - yummy and gooey.

Add a spoonful of peanut butter to your tomato soup - my family thinks this is gross.

Peanut butter on Ritz crackers - add a dill pickle if you are daring or pregnant!

Homemade peanut butter cookies - perfect blend of flavor and crunch.

Sandwich peanut butter between two chocolate chip cookies - does anyone market this?

Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on a Hershey's chocolate bar - talk about rich.

Top a rice cake with peanut butter - healthy snack.

Spread peanut butter on a tortilla and microwave it for 10-15 seconds - quick & filling.

Sources: Wikipedia, www.nationalpeanutboard.org