March is National Peanut Month

March is National Peanut Month.  It is a celebration that takes place to recognize America's love for the Peanuts. Whether you like them boiled, roasted served in a paper bag at a ball park, used to top salads, or squished into your favorite peanut butter sandwich , you can find peanuts in all kinds of recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

 Peanut History and Facts

National Peanut Month had its beginnings as National Peanut Week in 1941. It was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1974. 

• Peanuts are not actually nuts at all! They are legumes, like beans, peas and lentils.
• Americans eat 3 pounds of peanut butter per person every year. That's about 700 million pounds, or enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon!
• Peanuts may be a favorite food, but we've found many uses for their shells too! You might find peanut shells in kitty litter, wallboard, fireplace logs, paper, animal feed and sometimes as fuel for power plants!
• Two peanut farmers have been elected President of the United States: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.
• One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches. 

Nutritional Information

Peanuts are a good source of protein and nutrients. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, Vitamin E, Niacin, Foliate, Phosphorus and Magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. In some instances, they can also help with weight loss.

Recipes

Boiled Peanuts

 This is a favorite of ours.  We will eat them day and night.  And when I can't find them through vendors, I make my own.

Cook Time: 25 minutes           Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups peanuts, raw and in the shell
• 6 cups water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions:  In a large saucepan, bring peanuts (in shell), water, and salt to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. When peanuts are done, the peanuts should have swollen to fill the pods. The peanuts will be somewhat chewy. Serve hot in the shell.

Peanut Butter Fudge

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, plus more for greasing pan
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 pound powdered sugar 

Directions:  Microwave butter and peanut butter for 2 minutes on high. Stir and microwave on high for 2 more minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar to peanut butter mixture and stir to combine with a wooden spoon. Pour into a buttered 8 by 8-inch pan lined with waxed paper. Place a second piece of waxed paper on the surface of the fudge and refrigerate until cool. Cut into 1-inch squares.

Enjoy National Peanut Month!  What are some of your favorite ways to eat peanuts?