Page 15 - Sonoma County Gazette May 2020

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Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups, the dark chocolate version is one of those treats I’ve been missing, my go-to treat when a craving comes on or I’m feeling sluggish. They have consistently stabilized my blood sugar and given me energy while tasting oh so good.
And maybe my mom friend
with the raging children could use
a personalized version of those delectable peanut butter cups. A cookie dough peanut butter version that they can shape into fish or birds, stars or maybe even a friendly little monster, before dipping in chocolate. It’s a great way for the little ones to, or big ones, to ‘play with their food’! No baking required.
Food is the great connector and satisfier, maybe playing with it could tame the savage ‘beasts’.
Why not make my own?
Check with your local farmers’ market to see if they are offering curbside service or other options to help minimize contact and encourage social distancing.
Together we can all “flatten the curve.”
Peanut butter cups make a great snack as peanut butter works well
at balancing blood sugar. According to research, peanut butter (and not just peanuts) are good for regulating blood glucose levels, and the healthy combination of protein, fiber and healthy oils, can stave off hunger pangs and give long distance
energy. A 2011 study found that dark chocolate, in moderate amounts will increase insulin sensitivity and help control blood glucose, lower blood pressure and reduce ‘bad’’ cholesterol.
In creating my own peanut
butter ‘cups’, I use as many organic ingredients as possible and omit the eggs. Here is a simple recipe that the kids (and adults) can make and mold into shapes before dipping in the melted chocolate. You can also press the dough into floured cookie cutters.
2 cups flour
1 Cup creamy peanut butter 2/3 cup honey
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup butter softened
Mix all ingredients and mold like clay into desired shapes. Melt 1 bag organic chocolate in double boiler or a small pan placed in a larger pan, 1/3 full of water. When chocolate
is melted, dip peanut butter shapes into chocolate and coat thoroughly. Place on plate or cookie sheet covered with foil or parchment paper. Refrigerate until chocolate hardens.
Enjoy!
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