Get Ready for National Peanut Day!

Peanuts are one of the most popular snacks in the world!  When I visited Uganda, the number one snack I was offered in people’s homes was home-grown peanuts, just roasted and still warm.  Delicious!

Peanuts are high in protein, niacin, and folate.  They contain over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients and are cholesterol-free!  This website from the National Peanut Board has a lot of fun and interesting facts about peanuts!  We usually think of peanuts as just a snack food or as peanut butter, but stop and ponder for a minute just how many of the foods we regularly consume contain peanuts.  Many granola bars, protein bars, treats, and desserts contain peanuts or peanut butter.  

Peanuts are great in many main dishes as well.  So here is a recipe to celebrate National Peanut Day.  I got the basis for this recipe from my niece, Emily. Thanks, Em!

Bring these ingredients to a boil, and simmer until syrup-like, about 15 minutes

• 1/4 cup organic raw sugar or 1/3 cup agave syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup organic white vinegar
• 1 TBSP chopped organic garlic (I use my garlic press)
• 3/4 tsp sea salt

• Brown 1 lb  free range, organic ground chicken, turkey, or beef (I used ground chicken).  Skim fat, if necessary

• Add 1/2 cup Lassen’s freshly ground peanut butter.  (100% peanuts!  Not lard or sugar, as you’ll find in national-brand peanut butters!)

• Blend together until well incorporated.

• Add the chili-garlic sauce and blend.

• Serve with lettuce leaves (I used romaine because I like the crispy crunch, but butter letter is great, too), sticky rice, match-stick cut carrots and cucumber, green onion and cilantro.

This meal is great as left-overs, too.  I have it as a rice bowl instead of wraps for lunch!

Keep loving those peanuts!

Love,

Lassen’s