Peanut Butter: Think Outside the Sandwich

Peanut butter has been a pantry and sandwich staple in households for generations. Even so this beloved American icon is more than a spread destined to partner with jelly. Peanut butter is also a nutrient dense food that is often overlooked as element of a healthful life style. Incorporating peanut butter into a selection of dishes and snacks can assist add important nutrients to one's diet regime. One serving of peanut butter - just two tablespoons - gives eight grams of protein, two grams of fiber, 10 percent of the Reference Day-to-day Intake (RDI) of vitamin E and 12 percent of the RDI of magnesium. Furthermore, the USDA's new MyPyramid recognizes the significance of varying dietary protein sources and suggests that peanut butter, along with nuts and other nut butters, might be substituted for meat or poultry in meals. Moreover, peanut butter is cholesterol free of charge and consists of zero grams of trans-fats per serving. A walk down the grocery store aisle reveals a wide selection of peanut butters to meet distinct tastes and dietary requirements. Creamy, crunchy or with a touch of honey, Smucker's All-natural Peanut small safes hidden compartment Butter and Jif Peanut Butter brands provide an assortment of options, like lower salt and decreased fat varieties. Think outside the sandwich and spread peanut butter on apple slices for a delicious snack, put a dollop in yogurt or even stir into hot oatmeal. Peanut butter can also be the basis of sauces that can turn plain noodles or chicken into a delightfully exotic dish as in this recipe for Asian Noodles with Chili-Nut Sauce. ASIAN NOODLES WITH CHILI-NUT SAUCE 3 tablespoons Smucker's  Organic Chunky Peanut  Butter, Jif Added Crunchy  or Just Jif Peanut Butter  1/four cup decreased-sodium soy sauce  1-2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil  1/four cup rice vinegar  two tablespoons dark brown sugar  1 (ten ounce) package Chinese  wheat noodles or 1/two pound  package complete wheat spaghetti,  cooked according to package  directions  four green onions, sliced diagonally  into 1/4 inch slices  1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper  Toasted sesame seeds for garnish  Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, chili decoy safes or diversion safes oil, rice vinegar and brown sugar in a large bowl. Stir to blend well. Toss drained noodles with chili-nut sauce, onions and peppers. Cool noodles to room temperature. To serve, place noodles on serving platter, garnish with sesame seeds. For a variation, add 2 cups chopped cooked chicken.