Who doesn’t love a classic PB&J sandwich? It’s a childhood staple that never gets old. But have you ever heard the joke about peanut butter and jam? It goes like this: Why did the peanut butter and jam break up? They were just too spread apart. Okay, okay, we know it’s cheesy, but it’s also a fun way to introduce our two delicious recipes that put a tasty twist on this classic combination. Get ready to spread the love!
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Jam Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons jam (your favorite flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 295 | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fiber: 6g | Protein: 7g
Cooking Time:
5 minutes
Equipment:
- Blender
- Glass
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Variations:
Try using different types of jam or adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost.
Substitutions:
Use any kind of milk you prefer and swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Storage:
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but can be kept in the fridge for up to a day.
Tips:
For a thicker smoothie, add more frozen fruit or less milk. For a thinner smoothie, add more milk or a splash of water.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen? Yes, but you may need to add more ice to achieve the desired consistency.
- Can I use a different type of nut butter? Absolutely! Try almond butter, cashew butter, or even hazelnut butter for a Nutella-inspired twist.
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter and Jam Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup jam (your favorite flavor!)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indent in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indent with a small spoonful of jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 150 | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations:
Try using different types of jam or adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
Substitutions:
Use any type of nut butter you prefer and swap out the jam for jelly or preserves.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips:
To make sure the jam doesn’t leak out of the cookies, try freezing the jam for a few minutes before adding it to the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Absolutely! The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
The peanut butter and jam joke may be cheesy, but these recipes are anything but. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing smoothie or a sweet treat, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, spread the love and give them a try!