It's Peanut Butter Noodle Time!

Warning: these Thai-style peanut butter noodles will kick

We received a jar of Hot 'n Spicy Peanut Butter from Krema Nut Company (via The Sister's Sweet Shop in Dublin) and wanted to make something delicious with it.  We decided upon this Thai-style pasta dish, and were very pleased with the result.  The Hot 'n Spicy Peanut Butter was a great touch - adding just enough kick to make you smile.  Well done, Krema - we loved your peanut butter!

Thai-Style Peanut Noodles

Recipe adapted from 101cookbooks.com
Photos by Bake Yourself Happy

Thai-Style Peanut Noodles

• 1 8oz package soba noodles
• 1 bunch asparagus spears, cut into 1/2" segments
• 1/4 cup Hot 'n Spicy Krema Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (we used Krema creamy peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1. BOIL soba noodles per package instructions.  In the last minute of boiling, add the cut asparagus.
2. DRAIN noodles and asparagus, then run under cold water for about a minute to stop the cooking.
3. COMBINE the peanut butter, rice vinegar, and garlic in a separate bowl.
4. ADD hot water a little bit at a time until the peanut sauce reaches your desired texture.  We recommend a consistency that is slightly thicker than yogurt.
5. TASTE the sauce and add red pepper flakes and salt as desired.
6. POUR the sauce over the noodles and toss well, until all noodles are evenly coated.
7. ADD any proteins you may want - we recommend boiled chicken, but tofu is a popular option as well.  The protein will be just as good on the side, if you'd rather not combine it with the noodles!
8. GARNISH with scallions and/or peanuts and enjoy!

Not Your Typical Bran Muffin

You can't go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate...

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bran Muffins

Recipe adapted from Kellogg's
Photos by Bake Yourself Happy


Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bran Muffins

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 cup All Bran cereal
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg
• 1 medium banana, mashed (1/3 cup)
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
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Directions

1. PREHEAT oven to 375 F.  Lightly spray your 12 muffin muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. MIX milk, cereal, and oats in a large bowl.  Let stand for two minutes.
4. ADD egg, banana, peanut butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Beat well until fully combined.
5. ADD flour mixture to large bowl, mixing well.  
6. STIR in chocolate chips until combined.
7. SPOON the batter into the muffin pan so each muffin cup is evenly filled.
8. BAKE for 16-18 minutes, checking at 16 minutes with the "toothpick test".  The "toothpick test" - stick a toothpick in the middle of a muffin and see if it comes out clean.  If it does, the muffins are done!  If not, let them bake a little longer.
9. LET stand for 5 minutes, then remove from the muffin pan.  Enjoy!

We're Nuts About These Treats

Feeling squirreley?  Get your paws on these treats!

Pretzel Pecan Turtles
Recipe from Bake Yourself Happy
Photos by Bake Yourself Happy

Pretzel Pecan Turtles

• Square "Snaps" pretzels
• Rolo chocolate candies (or Hershey Kisses)
• Pecans (or M&Ms)

Directions

1. PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with tin foil.
2. PLACE pretzels on baking sheet.  Place a Rolo candy (or Hershey Kiss) on top of the pretzel.
3. INSERT baking sheet into oven for roughly 3 minutes, testing periodically.  Rolos should be easy to depress, but not melted over or bubbling.
4. REMOVE from oven and immediately press a pecan on to each Rolo, flattening the chocolate candy.  If you are not using pecans, press the M&M on top of the Rolo (or Hershey Kiss).

Edible Acorns
Recipe from Bake Yourself Happy
Photos by Bake Yourself Happy


Edible Acorns

• Bite sized Nutter Butter sandwich cookies
• Hershey Kisses
• Chocolate chips
• Chocolate frosting

Directions

1. HALF the Nutter Butter sandwich cookies so all peanut butter is on one side.  Eat or discard the half with no peanut butter.
2. STICK a Hershey Kiss on the half of the Nutter Butter with peanut butter.
3. SPREAD chocolate frosting on a chocolate chip and stick the chocolate chip to the back of the Nutter Butter with Hershey Kiss.
4. ENJOY!