Bonnie: Who would have thunk that peanut butter could be exciting? The peanuts for this new PB—which is organic to boot—are dark roasted, giving it an intense peanutty flavor like no other. Well slap-my-head why didn’t anyone else think of that?
(While I’m discussing PB, I must add that Sherry C. emailed, recommending the sunflower butter sold exclusively by Trader Joe’s for people allergic to peanuts. I haven’t tried it, but she has and wrote that using it as you would peanut butter, it made “yummy” faux PB cookies.)
I don’t use much peanut butter now that the boys are grown. But occasionally I use some to add richness (protein and other good stuff) to my foods.
On weeknights I’m always looking for something I can get on the table in under 15 minutes with little fuss, and
big flavors. What follows are Peanut Butter (PB) recipes adapted from Express Lane Cooking my daily syndicated column.
Give ‘em a try—and let me know what you think.
Chicken Satay: Stir together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 T soy sauce, 2 T white or rice vinegar, 1 T lime juice, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1/2 t sesame oil and 1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes. Blend in 3 T hot water or broth. Add 1 pound cubed boneless chicken breasts and toss to coat. Thread onto metal or water-soaked bamboo skewers. Grill or broil for 4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Makes 4 servings. (Serve atop rice noodles along with a light cucumber salad and fresh fruit.)
Peanutty Soup: Mix together, in a large saucepan, 4 cups chicken broth, 1/3 cup peanut butter, 3/4 cup orzo, 2 to 4 teaspoons curry powder and 3 minced scallions. Bring to a boil, reduce heat so broth simmers and cook 5 minutes. Add an 8-ounce package snow peas and 12 ounces diced cooked chicken; cook 5 minutes more until orzo is tender and chicken is warmed. (Or you can toss in diced fresh boneless chicken breast along with the PB.) Makes 4 servings. (Serve with a good crusty bread and a lightly dressed green salad.)
Sesame Noodles with Chicken: Cook a 9-ounce package of Asian-style thin-cut noodles according to package directions; drain, rinse with water and drain again. Toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Blend 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sesame oil and, if you like it a bit spicy, 1 1/2 teaspoons hot chili oil; toss with 4 minced scallions and 1/2 pound diced cooked chicken. Spoon over noodles. Serve at room temperature along with steamed broccoli and some fresh fruit.
Thai Chicken Pizza: Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons plum or apricot jelly, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice or white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and a pinch of cayenne. Spread over a large precooked pizza crust (such as Boboli, found in the supermarket). Sprinkle with about 1/2 pound diced cooked chicken, then with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake 10 minutes until cheese melts and pizza is hot. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Makes 4 servings. (Also tasty without the cheese!)
Bryan: I am getting older now, but have not yet eclipsed the PBJ sandwich. I always keep peanut butter and jelly around the house, it’s a great snack in a pinch and a very good source of protein. This particular peanut butter might take some folks by surprise; The dark-roasting adds a very unique flavor and the natural product has a more hearty texture than your average store brand. Bonnie’s recipes are great intros to using it and may warm-up your taste buds for an eventual solo flight. I am a huge ‘Pad Thai’ fan and this PB is an interesting change of pace to my homemade versions, adding a new richness. Additionally, the Thai Chicken Pizza is amazing, TRY IT! This recipe also works incredibly well on the BBQ grill. Though peanut butter often seems an infantile treat to many epicureans, new upscale version like Santa Cruz remind us all of the versatility of this unique non-nut.
Eric: I am a peanut butter addict, and have been ridiculed by every European friend when I screw off the top, grab a spoon, and eat out of the peanut butter jar as if it were ice cream. My favorite: two pieces of Pepperidge Farm whole wheat bread, one overwhelming scoop of peanut butter and one slightly ripe banana—a.k.a The Bananutter. I returned home to Connecticut last winter and was able to try the Santa Cruz dark peanut butter. The taste is much different than the stereotypical, sugar-filled, over-the-counter peanut butters that can be found in every supermarket, and the texture is very similar to the fresh ground peanut butters you can purchase in most “Health Food Stores.” I remember when I was younger my father would persuade me to eat the fresh ground peanut butter instead of my childhood favorite Jif, and ever since I am a fan of the textured peanut butters. I enjoyed the taste of the dark roasted peanuts, but wouldn’t be able to eat it on a daily basis. My mother’s recipes are a great start to take advantage of such a delectable delight, but I would always suggest eating it straight out of the jar with a tall glass of milk next to you.
Win a free 4-pack of delicious Santa Cruz Organic dark peanut butter, either creamy or crunchy.
I am a peanut butter lover and could not believe how much depth of flavor this peanut butter has! It really is a step above the supermarket classics and even the all-natural brands I’ve tried. The fact that it’s organic and has nothing added to the peanuts is a true bonus. But the taste alone will have me buying more.
Wonderful flavor. Best on a teaspoon. Glad I can purchase it locally.
This peanut butter has the most “peanuty” flavor! It’s very good peanut butter. My only complaint is that it could use some more salt, other than that it’s excellent.
I won the 4-pack of delicious Santa Cruz Organic dark peanut butter. 2 creamy & 2 crunchy 16 oz.jars .Received Fast shipment and very careful packaging & great emails !All around great experience. Was very happy to be one of the winners in the Jan. 2008 sweepstakes. I was very impressed with the great taste of the peanut butter . I Can’t wait to use in it in my no bake- cookies recipe and my baked peanut butter cookies. My hubbie likes honey and peanut butter sandwiches and he tried the creamy this way and he really enjoyed the fresh peanuty taste. ty!! 🙂 janet
Nancy Pero asks: “What stores do you sell your peanut butter in in Southern California?”
[…] Looking for delicious recipes that you can get on the table in under 15 minutes with little fuss, and big flavors. What follows are Peanut Butter (PB) recipes adapted from Express Lane Cooking®, my daily syndicated column. These originally posted on this site with our review of Santa Cruz Dark Roasted Peanut Butter. […]