P is for Peanuts and Peanut Butter

The peanut is a legume crop which is grown mainly for its edible seeds which are contained in underground pods. 

"Edible products include peanut oil and peanut butter. Industrial uses include paint, varnish, and furniture polish made with peanut oil. The plant tops are used for silage, while oilcake meal is used as animal feed and as a fertilizer. Peanut sauces are used in Latin America and Southeast Asia, while in the Indian subcontinent, they are added to salads and stews. In North America, peanuts are used in candies, cakes, and cookies, while peanut butter is widely eaten." (Wikipedia)

"George Washington Carver (1864–1943) championed the peanut as part of his efforts for agricultural extension in the American South, where soils were depleted after repeated plantings of cotton. He invented and promulgated hundreds of peanut-based products, including cosmetics, paints, plastics, gasoline and nitroglycerin." (Wikipedia)

Some people are allergic to peanuts and can have a fatal reaction.

I'll admit, peanut butter is a staple around here. It's good for tight budget. And a good source of protein, especially combined with a grain, as in bread and peanut butter.

In 2021 I was struck down by COVID; I was gravely ill. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks, and it literally was "touch and go" for a while. My senses of smell and taste were greatly affected, and still are even now. One of those alterations was that peanut butter tasted nasty to me. It still doesn't taste "normal" even now. (A couple other tastes that were adversely affected were coffee and chocolate!!) These days I can eat honey roasted peanut butter, and it tastes good!

Are Peanuts Good for You?

Peanuts 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

One of our favorite recipes is:

Peanut Butter-Carrot Loaf

2/3 cup peanut butter

1 cup tomato puree

1 Tablespoon onion powder

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons basil

3 cups shredded carrots

3/4 cup water

4 1/2 cups whole grain bread crumbs

In a bowl cream first six ingredients together with fork. Add remaining ingredients and stir together well. Put into oiled 8" x 8" baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes. Uncover and bake until browned, about 15 more minutes.

Yield: 6 cups, or 8" x 8" baking dish

A delightful and attractive way to serv this entree is to bake it in a bundt pan. Invert it onto a platter covered with lettuce, and fill the center with fresh steamed peas. You can place black olives around the outside edge of the platter. This is our favorite way to serve it!

Please share in the comments below if you try this recipe. Also, I'd like to hear if you have a favorite recipe which includes peanuts or peanut butter.