January 24th marks National Peanut Butter Day, a food with as rich a history as its taste. Although many mistakenly credit George Washington Carver with its invention, peanut butter dates all the way back to the anicient Aztecs and Incas. Since the late 19th century it has become a staple of American diets.
What makes National Peanut Butter so exciting are the many ways you can celebrate. A classic PB&J is appropriate, so is a thick peanut butter and banana milkshake or even just a homemade batch!
Here is a wonderful recipe from Betty Crocker for some classic peanut butter cookies…
What You Need
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine (softened)
1 egg
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
What To Do
Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in a large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate about two hours, or until firm.
Heat oven to 375ºF.
Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. Place three inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped into sugar.
Bake nine to ten minutes, or until golden brown. Cool for five minutes and remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.
Expert Tip
Take two cookies and add ice cream for a sandwich! Also, roll chocolate chips and nuts into the ice cream for a one of a kind treat.
