The Bryan Times - Sept. 3, 2019 - Peanut Butter

It's hard to believe summer is coming to an end and kids are back in school already! I thought it only right that we do a little 'talking' about this yummy-for-your-tummy protein-builder that kids love so much.  

Peanut butter has always been a favorite food for kids, and for moms, who could quickly make a lunch their kids would eat. Cooks have used it in all kinds of sweets, from cookies and cakes, to candy and beverages. We're now eating peanut butter in entrees and sides, even for breakfast. Spread peanut butter on toast. It's a great way to start the day with sustaining protein.

By law, peanut butter must contain 90% peanuts, with no artificial sweeteners, coloring or preservatives. 

Here are some fun and unusual (even nutty!) ideas for using this favorite product.

- Have you ever tried to cure hiccups with peanut butter? Try eating a heaping spoonful. Many claim its a definite cure.

- Is your child afraid to take a bandaid off? Coat it with peanut butter, let it sit for 5 minutes, then peel off.  The oils in the peanut butter dissolve the glues. (Adds some 'fun' to the process for your kids too!)

- Try dressing up your brownies with peanut butter. Either stir 1/2 c. into the batter or dollop it over the top of your brownies before baking and swirl. It just may become a favorite way to enjoy them.

- I love adding a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter to my cooked oatmeal. (Drizzle a little chocolate syrup on it for a 'no bake cookie' flavored breakfast!).

You'll feel good about giving these fun, 'healthier choice' protein balls to your kids.  And they will love helping you make them too. 

MONSTER COOKIE PROTEIN BALLS 

1 c. dry (old-fashioned) or quick oats

1/2 c. ground flax seed

1/2 c. (natural) peanut butter

1/3 c. agave nectar or honey

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 - 1/2 c. mini m & m's 

1/4 - 1/2 c. mini chocolate (or carob) chips 

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl (or food processor for a smoother texture) and chill for 30 minutes. (I prefer to mix oats/flax seed in one bowl; combine peanut butter, honey and vanilla in another, then mix the two together). Roll into balls. Refrigerate. Enjoy.

This smoothie is a delicious and quick breakfast when you're trying to get the kids out the door. 

Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER CUP SMOOTHIE 

1/3 c. old fashioned oats 

handful chopped peanuts

1 tsp. chia seeds, optional

1 tsp. flax seed meal

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1/2 c. vanilla Greek yogurt

(or add 1 Tb. honey & 1/2 tsp. vanilla to plain Greek yogurt)

1/2 c. milk (or water)

1 banana, frozen

3 Tb. baking cocoa powder

1/3 c. natural peanut butter

1 Tb. carob chips (or chocolate chips) for garnish, optional

8 - 10 ice cubes

Place all ingredients, except for carob chips, in blender. Add about half the ice; blend on high until completely combined and frothy, at least 30 seconds.  Serves 2 or 3. 

A fabulous treat that will have folks begging you for this simple recipe. Easier than making balls and dipping them in chocolate. 

NO BAKE REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

2 sticks margarine, melted

1 c. peanut butter, smooth or chunky

1-1/2 c. powdered sugar

1-1/2 c. fine graham cracker crumbs

1 - 12 ozs. pkg. milk chocolate chips

In large bowl, mix together margarine and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar, then cracker crumbs.  Blend well.  Pat into a 9" X 13" X 2" pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Refrigerate for 1/2 hour.  Melt chocolate chips and spread over top.

A quick and healthier snack  is "Ants on a Log".  Cut celery stalks into pieces, fill with peanut butter and top with raisins.  The kids may choose to make them without your help. 

"Man cannot live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter". -James Garfield 

Easy Pumpkin Mousse Dip ("Lighter Choice")

Here's a quick and delicious dip that can be ready in minutes. 

A great idea to whip up at last minute to take to a party to share! 

And it can be made lighter using sugar free instant pudding and fat free whipped topping if desired.  YUMMM OH YUMMM!

(Just so you don't feel so guilty eating all those cookies with it!) 

And did I mention it only has FOUR simple ingredients!!?? 

My much-younger-than-me Florida friend Wendi shared this with me and it's in my last cookbook...FORK FAVORITES.   

(I'll never forget when Wendi and I saw another dip recipe in another cookbook...it was titled PUMPKIN MOOSE DIP!  We both get so tickled over things like that and do a lot of laughing together!! It's NOT an animal!
It was misspelled.) 

(hover over photo to pin)

PUMPKIN MOUSSE DIP 

1 can (15 ozs.) pumpkin puree

(Not pumpkin pie mix)

1 sm. box (4-serv. size) instant (sugar free)

cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)

click on link below to get recipes for...

Homemade Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie Spice Mixes

1 tub (8 ozs.) (lite or fat free) Cool Whip, slightly thawed 

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin and dry pudding mix (a whisk would work great). When smooth, add spices, then fold in Cool Whip.  Serve with gingersnaps, graham cracker sticks or even apple slices for a light snack.  (I served it with Biscoff cookies that are amazing for this dip!

And I was tickled to find windmill cookies at my local Dollar General store)

You may also enjoy...

Simple Caramel Toffee Spread

​

Leader Enterprise - Sept. 13, 2017 - Starting School Right

Cafeteria Peanut Butter Balls

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. The school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

The place where kids study should be comfortable, quiet and free from distractions. They can go to their room, close the door and kill as many distractions as possible - like music, television, and even the internet and their phone. 

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the 'brown bag rut'. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags-a great way to have perfect single-serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version. Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced apples at the store, make your own! Toss apple slices in lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents:don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress in ways you may never know.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter 
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ,optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed,optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield: about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ, optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted (or butter)

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

William Butler Yeats has been quoted as saying "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". 

Coconut Lime Muddy Buddies (using essential oils)

I just don't know where to begin...

When I think of the fun and great times shared with sweetheart Tonya Ferguson and her special family while they were here for a few days in May, my heart just jumps for joy.  They have become my second family. 

Tonya taught her 3rd essential oil class in my home...have you seen their new website??..RVOilers...go ahead, check it out! You'll love what you see there...and maybe you'll want to have Tonya come to your home to teach a class.  She's the best of the best, I can tell you that! 

Their family has been on the road in an RV for over a year now...and they are loving it immensely.

Anyway...she shared this recipe for 

Coconut Lime Muddy Buddies  from the Aroma Tools Facebook page before she arrived at my house, so I decided it would be the perfect addition to our snack lineup after class. 

(We also enjoyed some yummy Orange Cream Cheese Brownies {with oils in it} too.

It's really a simple recipe, and I love that it's GLUTEN-FREE also, because I made it with corn/rice cereal...there were a couple gals at the party who enjoyed it, who could not eat the brownies. 

So here's the recipe...just be sure you add the coconut oil to the melted chocolate before adding the oil and juice.  (We won't mention how I know to BE SURE to do that...just trust me). 

(hover over photo to pin)

COCONUT LIME MUDDY BUDDIES 

1 (12 ozs.) box rice squares cereal 

(or rice/corn)

1-1/2 c. white chocolate chips

(12 ozs. bag)

1/4 c. coconut oil, melted

5 drops lime essential oil

1 tsp. lime juice

(I added a little zest also)

1 c. powdered sugar

Pour the cereal into a large mixing bowl.  Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, or on low in the microwave (just be sure it doesn't overheat). Add melted coconut oil once the chocolate is nearly melted; stir until smooth. 

Add essential oil drops and the juice (& zest, if using), stirring until blended.

Pour the chocolate over the cereal, stirring with a wooden spoon until cereal is evenly coated. Add 1/2 c. powdered sugar to gallon size ziploc bag, add cereal mixture, then pour 1/2 c. remaining powdered sugar over the top.  Seal the bag and shake around gently to make sure all the cereal is coated. 

(I added about 2/3 of the cereal mixture first, coated it, then added a little more powdered sugar to cover the last bit of cereal mixture.) Enjoy right away; store in airtight container.  

This stuff is AMAZING!! 

Linked to Weekend Potluck


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Honey Sweetened Snack Mix

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