Tag: peanut butter

National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day 2015

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Peanut Butter Chia Overnight Oatmeal I Pretty Little Pastimes

It’s that time again! The day is here that we get to set aside special time to celebrate the creamy (or crunchy) wonder that is PEANUT BUTTER! I was scratching my head Saturday night thinking of a way to incorporate my favorite all-natural peanut butter into my breakfast routine. So I decided to mix it into some oatmeal and voila! Peanut Butter & Chia Overnight Oats. Enjoy!

Peanut Butter & Chia Overnight Oats

  • 2/3 cup skim or almond milk
  • 1/4 cup steel cut oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • fresh blueberries or banana

Mix together the milk, oats, chia, vanilla and one tablespoon of peanut butter and place in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 4 hours). In the morning stir to incorporate and top with remaining peanut butter, honey and fresh fruit. I packed mine in a mason jar so it I could grab it on my way out the door.

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National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

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Peanut Butter Banana Chia Smoothie I Pretty Little Pastimes

When I heard it was National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, I knew this was one occasion I would gladly celebrate! Since I didn’t want to wait until dessert to indulge in the creamy good stuff, I decided to make a breakfast smoothie that would make any self-proclaimed Peanut Butter Lover proud. Not only is it filling, it is also a great source of protein, potassium and Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants, from the chia seeds. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, you can also add a couple drops of natural sweetener or honey.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Smoothie

  • 1 large ripe banana
  • 1 cup almond milk (I used dark chocolate flavored)
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons old fashioned oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • handful of ice cubes

Start by soaking the old fashioned oats and chia seeds in the almond milk for 15 minutes to soften. Place all ingredients in a high speed blender until frothy and creamy. Serve immediately.

I don’t normally pay attention to these funny daily “holidays”, but if it gives me an excuse to snack on peanut butter for the day, I just might begin to add them to my calendar. Enjoy!

Double Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies

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Double Peanut Butter M&M's Cookies I Pretty Little Pastimes
Every so often, a cookie recipe comes along that you just know is going to be a keeper and I was right with this peanut butter cookie. The problem with recipes I have attempted in the past, is that they are too hard or lack sweetness. This cookie stays soft and has just the right amount of sweetness for me. Although you can make them with Milk Chocolate M&M’s, I always make them using Peanut M&M’s or, my favorite, Peanut Butter M&M’s. With the Peanut Butter M&M’s you get a double peanut butter cookie that is hard to resist!

I made these over my Easter weekend with pastel colored Peanut Butter M&M’s eggs for a little holiday flare.

Double Peanut Butter M&M’s Cookies

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 & 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 & 1/2 cups peanut butter M&M’s

In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Mix in the peanut butter, egg and vanilla, one at a time, until combined. Slowly mix in the baking soda and flour; be careful not to overmix. Gently fold the M&M’s into the dough. Place the finished cookie dough in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet (I always cover my cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup). Press the dough slightly since they do not spread much while baking. Bake for 8-9 minutes until just the edges are beginning to turn golden but the cookies is still soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool/harden on a wire rack.

I will definitely be adding these to my Christmas Cookie baking list. With red and green M&M’s, they will make a great care package for my mom who can resist all sweets except a good peanut butter cookie! Like mother, like daughter. Enjoy!