Underwhelmingly described by Wikipedia as a ‘food paste’, peanut butter is so much more than that. A top performer in savory and sweet recipes, peanut butter has a wide array of culinary applications beyond the classic PB&J sandwich, and it delivers some essential nutrition as well. 

Where did this miraculous paste come from?

While the origins of paste made from ground up peanuts goes way back to the Aztecs, I was equal parts surprised and proud to discover that the first person to patent peanut butter in 1884 was a fellow Canadian named Marcellus Gilmore Edson. While working as a chemist in pharmacy, Edson developed the paste as a nutritious solution for people who had difficulty chewing solid food. Little did he realize that many others would fall in love with his delicious invention.

Peanut butter’s nutritional value

Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, dietary fiber, magnesium, folate, antioxidants and vitamins B3 and E. If you want an extra punch of fiber and good fats, opt for the crunchy variety.

A word of warning: because peanut butter high in calories and fat, and some of that fat is the saturated kind, it’s probably not a good idea to consume a whole jar of it in one sitting. If you’re buying it in the store, be aware that not all peanut butters are created equal; check the ingredients on the label (as with any packaged food you’re buying) to be sure there is no added sugar, salt or oils.

You can also try making your own peanut butter! It’s not too complicated. Here’s a simple recipe.

Delicious peanut butter recipes

While most people have heard of the peanut butter and jam sandwich and those classic peanut butter cookies, peanut butter also complements many other foods. Peanut butter enthusiasts around the world have been known to pair it with banana, chocolate, honey, bacon, and even pickles and onions (not sure I’d go that far but I’ll try anything once). I personally love incorporating peanut butter into savory recipes by making stir-fry sauces, dressings and dips with it. If I’m craving something sweet, I’ll spread it on a rice cake with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon. For a breakfast treat, I’ll add about a tablespoon of peanut butter to my banana smoothie.

Here are some other delicious ways to get more peanut butter into your life:

• Peanut Butter Ginger Muffins
• Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Waffles
• Peanut Butter Hummus
• Thai Peanut Soup with Grilled Peanut Butter Croutons
• Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce
• Barbecued Ribs with Peanut-Chipotle Sauce and Tomatillo Corn Salsa
• Indonesian Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Cold Peanut Noodles with Shrimp
• Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Treats

What’s your favorite peanut butter recipe? Share in the comments or over on Twitter at @luvoinc.