Peanut Butter and Jelly Truffles

It is National Peanut Butter Month.  Did you know the following about peanut butter?

Protein

A 2 tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains 7 grams of protein. Your body uses the amino acids found in protein to build and repair muscle tissue. In addition to building metabolism-boosting muscles, protein-rich foods like peanut butter keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Healthy Fats

Peanut butter contains the same ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats as olive oil.  The poly and monounsaturated fats in the spread lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Potassium

Excess sodium in your diet puts stress on your cardiovascular system, but potassium can counter the negative effects of sodium. It also helps your nerves function properly and aids in heart function.

Fiber

A 2 tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains about 2 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber helps regulate your digestive system by promoting healthy bowel movements, and like protein, fiber keeps your hunger at bay between meals. The fiber in peanut butter also fights heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Anti-cancer Effects

A number of studies have shown that nutrients found in peanuts, including folic acid, phytosterols, phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) and resveratrol, may have anti-cancer effects. A good source all these nutrients—including the phytosterol beta-sisterol, which has demonstrated anti-cancer actions—peanuts have long been considered a likely

candidate as a colon cancer preventive food.

It also:

• Help Prevent Gallstones
• Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
• Protect against Alzheimer's and Age-related Cognitive Decline
• Potentially Reduced Risk of Stroke Based on Preliminary Animal Studies
• Peanuts Rival Fruit as a Source of Antioxidants

Peanut Butter and Jelly Truffles

8 ounces semisweet dairy free chocolate chips

1 ½ cup crunchy peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup oil

¾ cups crushed Rice Chex Cereal

¼ cup grape jelly

Place chocolate chips in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Place in a bowl and set aside.

Place the Rice Chex in the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.  Set aside. 

Mix peanut butter, sugar, oil, and crushed cereal together. Form into 1 1/2 inch balls. Make a deep depression in the ball with your thumb and fill it with 1/4 teaspoon jelly. Smooth over to enclose the jelly in the ball. Roll each ball in chopped chocolate, pressing lightly until well coated. Place on waxed paper and chill 15 minutes. Keep chilled until served.

Your kids are going to love this.  This is also dairy free and gluten free.

A Few Quick Other Serving Ideas to Add Peanuts to Your Diet

• Sprinkle peanuts onto tossed salads.
• Add peanuts to healthy sautéed chicken and vegetables.
• Make a simple southeastern Asian salad by combining sliced green cabbage, grated ginger, Serrano chilies and peanuts. Toss with olive oil, peanut butter and soy sauce dressing.
• Instead of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, try peanut butter and banana, peanut butter and honey, or peanut butter and chopped apple, pear and/or raisins.
• You can add peanut butter to any stir fry.
• I’ve shared this before, but if you burn or scorch something, add 2 tsp. of peanut butter to it and stir in well.  The burnt taste goes away (provided you have not burnt it terribly).

Make them a part of your diet.

Have a great day.  Be happy and may God bless you and yours.