Delicious And Healthy Winter Recipes Featuring Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a beloved ingredient that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is rich in protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. In the winter, we often crave warm, comforting dishes to keep us warm and satisfied. Here are some delicious and healthy winter recipes featuring peanut butter that are sure to become your new favourites:
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
This simple and tasty breakfast recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you don’t have much time to cook. Simply mix together 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), 1/2 banana (mashed), 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of cinnamon in a jar or container. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then top with your favourite toppings (such as chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or chocolate chips) before eating.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie Bowl
If you’re in the mood for a creamy and satisfying smoothie bowl, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Simply blend together 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen berries, 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 teaspoon honey, and a few ice cubes until smooth. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with your favourite toppings (such as granola, nuts, and fresh fruit).
Peanut Butter Soup
Soup is a winter staple and this peanut butter version is sure to become a new favourite. Simply heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 minced garlic clove and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Add 4 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken) and 1 cup of peanut butter and bring to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and cilantro on top.
Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food and this twist featuring peanut butter and sweet potato is sure to become a new favourite. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice 1 sweet potato into thin rounds and roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until tender. Spread peanut butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of cheese on the other side of each slice of bread and top with a few slices of roasted sweet potato. Close the sandwich and spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown on both sides.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Bites
These tasty energy bites are perfect for a quick and healthy snack. Simply mix together 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup honey, and 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries). Roll the mixture into balls and store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to eat. You can also roll the balls in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup white sugar until well combined. Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. While the cookies are still warm, press a few chocolate chips into the tops of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes
These fluffy and flavourful pancakes are a great way to start your day. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), 1 egg, 1 mashed banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Heat a pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan for each pancake and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the edges are golden.
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
This tasty twist on classic French toast is sure to be a hit with the whole family. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons jelly, and 1 teaspoon honey. Spread the mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Heat a pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), and a pinch of cinnamon. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the edges are golden. Serve with syrup and fresh fruit for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
Peanut butter is a nutritious and delicious ingredient that can add flavor and protein to a variety of winter recipes. From overnight oats and smoothie bowls to soup and grilled cheese, there are endless ways to incorporate peanut butter into your winter meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a hearty dinner, these peanut butter recipes are sure to become your new favorites. So why wait? Give these recipes a try and enjoy all the delicious and healthy benefits that peanut butter has to offer.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter or another type of nut butter instead of peanut butter in these recipes?
Yes, you can certainly use almond butter or another type of nut butter in place of peanut butter in these recipes. Just be aware that the flavour of the final product may be slightly different.
Can I make these recipes vegan or gluten-free?
Many of these recipes can be made vegan or gluten-free with a few simple substitutions. For vegan recipes, use plant-based milk and butter and choose vegan-friendly sweeteners like agave or maple syrup. For gluten-free recipes, use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour.
Can these recipes be frozen for later?
Some of these recipes, like the peanut butter soup and the energy bars, can be frozen for later. Simply allow the food to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator or microwave until heated through. Other recipes, like the pancakes and French toast, may not freeze as well due to their delicate texture.
How can I make these recipes lower in sugar?
If you’re looking to lower the sugar content of these recipes, you can try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar. You can also try using unsweetened nut butter or reducing the amount of sweetener used in the recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to these recipes?
Feel free to get creative and add your own spin to these recipes by adding in your favourite ingredients. Some ideas might include chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. Just be aware that adding additional ingredients may affect the overall flavor and texture of the recipe.
