Cool Down in the Dog Days of Summer with Peanut Butter

The steamy, sultry days of July and early August are known as the "dog days" of summer. If you're looking for a creative way to cool down this summer, Southern Peanut Growers wants to help with your favorite ingredient: peanut butter.

Yup, PB is more than just something to add to bread and jelly. Your littles will love these yummy recipes and you'll delight in knowing that they're getting extra nutrition in every delish bite.

From Veggie Sammies with PB Satay Sauce to Creamy PB Banana Popsicles, there's a recipe to curb every craving. Start with your favorite brand of PB, add a few ingredients and create a new family favorite.

Creamy PB Banana Popsicles 
These smooth, and sweet, dreamy popsicles will melt in your mouth on a hot summer day.

4 large very ripe bananas
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
12 oz. frozen whipped dessert topping
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.

Serves 12.

Peanut Butter Strawberry Pineapple Smoothies 
These fabulous smoothies combine the deliciousness of peanut butter with the sweetness of strawberries and pineapple to create a healthy and yummy mid-day treat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Makes: 2 to 4 servings

1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup plain, fat free Greek yogurt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp honey (approx.)

Place the strawberries, yogurt, milk, pineapple juice, peanut butter and honey in a blender. Puree until very smooth. Adjust honey to taste. Serve immediately. Make 2 to 4 servings.


Calories per serving: 236, Fat 12g, Cholesterol 3mg, Sodium 159mg, Carbohydrates 20g, Fiber 3g, Sugar 16g, Protein 13g

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches 
Skip the ice cream parlor and make your own super sweet ice cream sandwiches to help you cool down after some fun in the sun.

Makes 12 ice cream sandwiches

24 fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, cooled (about 3 inches in diameter)
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1 1/2 cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter
Toppings of your choice (ie. chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut)

Spread layer of peanut butter on 12 cookies and add a scoop of ice cream. Create a sandwich by topping with the remaining cookies. Roll edges of the ice cream in toppings of your choice. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Serve slightly frozen.

Veggie Sammies with PB Satay Sauce
Put a nutty twist on your picnic lunch. Pile fresh summer veggies onto your favorite bread and top with creamy PB sauce.

4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons water
4 teaspoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sriracha
2 six-inch French baguette rolls
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup white onion
1/2 cup red bell pepper
1/2 cup purple cabbage
1/2 cup fresh cilantro

Directions:

Combine peanut butter, lime juice, water, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and sriracha in in a small bowl. Mix well.

Spread sauce on both sides of bread, then layer with cucumber, onion, and bell pepper. Top with cabbage, and cilantro leaves.

Serves 2

All too soon, school buses will be making the rounds in your neighborhood. Before summer slips away, whip up some tasty and nutritious peanut butter treats and keep it cool.