Peanut butter spreads in popularity

If you love peanut butter, you probably agree with comedian Bill Cosby when he said, "Man cannot live by bread alone. He must have peanut butter."

And if you are a peanut-butter lover, you might want to stop and make yourself a sandwich because this column might induce serious cravings! Besides, November is Peanut Butter Lover's Month.

Just how popular is peanut butter? It didn't take too long after peanut butter was developed in 1922. In 1932, Skippy introduced the first chunk-style version. In the 1940s, peanut butter was a staple for Allied soldiers, and then in the 1950s, peanut-butter sandwiches became a popular lunch for kids. Our Armed Forces and astronauts consume peanut butter that has been packaged in foil pouches.

Besides tasting great, there are good reasons to eat peanut butter. It is an economical source of protein, and supplies vitamin E, folic acid, copper, selenium, magnesium and zinc. Research shows peanut butter, as part of a healthy diet, may actually help with weight maintenance.

Today this traditional American comfort food is eaten in 75 percent of U.S. households, mostly as a spread on bread. According to the American Peanut Coalition in Washington D.C., Americans eat more than 700 million pounds of peanut butter each year -- about 3 pounds each. That's a lot of peanut butter! Are you eating your share?

To be labeled "peanut butter" the product must have a minimum of 90 percent peanuts, with no artificial colors or preservatives. Some brands add some sweeteners and salt for taste, plus a stabilizer to keep the product fresh without refrigeration. "Old-fashioned" or "natural" peanut butter is made without a stabilizer so the oil will separate and should be stirred back in.

A relatively new product allowed by FDA is "peanut butter spreads." They have only 60 percent peanuts. These spreads are a reduced-fat alternative to peanut butter. You can also find "gourmet" versions such as chocolate peanut butter, peanut sauces, and peanut butter-filled pretzels.

Anderson family favorites have been grilled peanut butter sandwiches, peanut butter on celery sticks, and homemade peanut butter ice cream. To make this dessert, stir one tablespoon of strong hot coffee into two tablespoons crunchy peanut butter. Mix this combination into softened vanilla ice cream and put in the freezer for an hour or so before serving.

Peanut butter is not just for sandwiches, cookies and candies. Many ethnic foods, such as Indian satays and Thai sauces, call for peanut butter. It also is an ingredient in the dressing for Chinese Chicken Salad. The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle published a recipe for this tasty dish.

Chinese Chicken Salad with Ginger Peanut Dressing

First prepare the greens and vegetables -- use ones you especially like. The usual ones are spinach leaves, romaine lettuce, bok choy, carrots, and broccoli florets. To these add pea pods, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts. Mix them together and divide onto individual plates. Add cooked, skinned chicken breast that has been cut into thin strips.

Ginger Peanut Dressing

3/4 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon minced ginger root

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

In a small bowl, combine and mix well all but the peanut butter. Heat the peanut butter in the microwave until a liquid-like consistency. Whisk the peanut butter into the dressing mixture. Pour dressing over the salads.

Carol Anderson is a freelance writer. She can be reached via e-mail: