Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day!

If you haven’t heard, March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day! So break out your jar of peanut butter and get ready to celebrate. Whether you’re a fan of creamy or chunky peanut butter, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic spread. From sandwiches to biscotti, the possibilities are endless. So why not try something new today? Keep reading for our favorite National Peanut Butter Day recipe!

But first, a little history!

We all know that the peanut plant comes from South America, but did you know that the Incans of Peru have cultivated peanut plants since 1500 B.C?

But the European explorers first discovered peanut plants in South America and took them back to Spain and Portugal, and from there, it spread to Asia & Africa.

The peanut plant was imported from Africa to North America In the 1700s and was first grown in Virginia, mainly for oil.

In the 1800s, roasted peanuts became a popular snack for Americans. The first mention of them was in 1825 when they sold them at baseball games and traveling circuses by vendors who would shout “Get Your Hot Roasted Peanuts!”

Today, Peanuts are the 12th most valuable cash crop grown in the United States. Americans eat more than six pounds of peanut products each year! And Rightly So! With over 30 vitamins and minerals, peanuts have recently earned “superfoods” status.

A recent study has shown that eating peanuts can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and reduce inflammation. If that’s not enough to get you nibbling on peanuts, they also protect you from developing stomach cancer.

There are many ways to enjoy the humble peanut. You can eat them raw, roasted, or fried; add a little honey for that extra bit of sweetness before eating them on their own (or blend up some homemade nut butter). The most nutritious way, though

 

? Slather your favorite dish with these overlooked but superfood-containing legume!

And that’s what we did. We combined chocolate chips, peanuts, and peanut butter to make the most delicious Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Biscotti to enjoy on this special day.

So, whether you’re spreading it on toast, mixing it in a smoothie, or baking with it, we hope you enjoy this nutty and delicious spread. We wanted to give you a brief history of the peanut plant and some of its health benefits in honor of this special day. To finish off our celebration, we’ve included a recipe for Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Biscotti that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to check out our online store for 20% OFF Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Biscotti.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups cocoa
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature soft (optional)
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon peanut oil
3/4 cup whole peanuts – lightly toasted
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1 1/4 cup peanut butter chips

Baking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Combine butter and sugar in a large bowl, then beat on low for 5 minutes until light and fluffy – like snow.
Add one egg at a time until thoroughly combined.
Add in vanilla extract and peanut oil. Mix well.
Sift together flour, cacao baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. DO NOT OVER MIX.Add whole peanuts, peanut butter, and chocolate chips and mix until combined.
Divide dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches high and 8 inches wide on a parchment-lined baking sheet (use flour to keep your hands from sticking).
Once you have shaped the biscotti logs, place them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until firm to the touch.
Remove biscotti logs from the oven and reduce heat to 325 degrees.
Let biscotti logs sit for 5 minutes, then slice diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces.
Place biscotti slices cut side up on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and bake for another 12-15 minutes at 325 degrees or until biscotti are slightly golden brown along the edges.

ALLERGY WARNING
While peanuts are healthy foods, not everyone can enjoy them. Please consult with your physician if you think that might be the case for you, and make sure to avoid eating peanuts.