BEST COOKING RECIPES

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'sฎ Natural Peanut Butter and Jifฎ 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'sฎ

Natural Chunky Peanut

Butter
Jifฎ Extra Crunchy

or Simply Jifฎ 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.