Peanut Butter: Outside the Sandwich

Peanut butter has been a pantry and sandwich staple in households for generations. However this beloved American icon is more than a spread destined to partner with jelly. Peanut butter is also a nutrient dense food that is sometimes overlooked as part of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating peanut butter into a variety of dishes and snacks can help add important nutrients to one's diet.



One serving of peanut butter -; just two tablespoons -; provides eight grams of protein, two grams of fiber, 10 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin E and 12 percent of the RDI of magnesium. Additionally, the USDA's new MyPyramid recognizes the importance of varying dietary protein sources and suggests that peanut butter, along with nuts and other nut butters, may be substituted for meat or poultry in meals. Additionally, peanut butter is cholesterol free and contains zero grams of trans-fats per serving.


A walk down the grocery store aisle reveals a wide selection of peanut butters to meet different tastes and dietary needs. Creamy, crunchy or with a touch of honey, Smucker's® Natural Peanut Butter and Jif® Peanut Butter brands offer an assortment of choices, including lower salt and reduced 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®


Natural Chunky Peanut


Butter, Jif® Extra Crunchy


or Simply Jif® Peanut Butter


1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce


1-2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil


1/4 cup rice vinegar


2 tablespoons dark brown sugar


1 (10 ounce) package Chinese


wheat noodles or 1/2 pound


package whole wheat spaghetti,


cooked according to package


directions


4 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 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.

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Canadian Bacon now a favorite American

The expression 'move bacon' begins to have a more nutritious meaning for millions of Americans concerned about their health, incorporate Canadian Bacon in your diet.


Best known as an ingredient in eggs Benedict, increase the recent popularity of Canadian Bacon comes from the low-carbohydrate diet craze. Although it is no longer fashionable as carbohydrate counting, Canadian Bacon is still an option for healthy cooking because it is low in fat and high in protein.


With "bacon" in its name, consumers often confuse Canadian Bacon with traditional American Bacon, according to Philip Jones, President of Jones dairy farm, major U.S. producers of Canadian bacon. However, unlike their American counterparts, Canadian Bacon is a filet of smoked pork and tender lean meat. It is precooked and have a look and taste more like ham.



Jones noted a significant difference between Bacon Canadian and Canadian-style bacon. Real Canadian Bacon is strictly the beef tenderloin, but Canadian-style bacon is usually made of beef "tenderloin" hip and includes ground pork filling. Owen Jones believes that consumers prefer the authentic product of superior quality, because it provides a more uniform appearance, better texture and superior flavor.



"Real Canadian Bacon gives a flavor and a firmer texture," said Jones. "It's a main ingredient that adds a wonderful flavor smoked in salads, sandwiches, soups, or even by itself." It offers the following recipe, with the versatility of Canadian bacon.


Soup cajun style

Makes 5 servings (11/2 cups)

1 teaspoon of olive oil

1 green pepper, cut into chunks

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons flour

1 (141/2 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup chicken or beef broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon

Fort 3/4 teaspoon pepper sauce

1 package (10 oz) frozen sliced okra, thawed

8 Sausages precooked golden brown Jones or slabs, cut into large pieces

1 package (6 ounces) sliced Canadian Bacon Jones, cut into strips

2 cups hot cooked rice

chopped parsley 1/4 cup


Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green pepper, onion and garlic; Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the flour; Cook and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, pepper; Slow fire place. Coverage; Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the okra and sausage; Simmer covered 5 minutes. Add the Canadian Bacon; Cook 3 minutes overdrafts. Ladle into five shallow bowls; Garnish with rice, parsley.

Style cajun Gumbo improved with the addition of real Canadian bacon.

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