January 24, 2013 is...      

It’s National Peanut Butter Day! Peanut butter is a staple in
over 90% of American households and the average person consumes more
than six pounds of peanut products each year. Women and children prefer
creamy peanut butter, while most men go for the chunky variety. 

George Bayle, a St. Louis snack food maker, started making peanut
butter in the 1890s. For many years, manufacturers struggled with the
oil separating from the grainy solids of the peaut butter. In 1923 Heinz
became the first company to homogenize the peanuts into the spreadable
butter we know and love today. Before long peanut butter was a classic
American food.

Did you know that it takes 550 peanuts to make a 12 ounce jar of
peanut butter? Peanuts are cholesterol free and an excellent source of
protein. In fact, it’s the high protein content that causes peanut
butter to stick to the roof of your mouth.

To celebrate National Peanut Butter Day, bake some peanut butter
cookies, spread some tasty peanut butter on toast, or enjoy a spoonful
right out of the jar!