Love peanut butter? This is your time to celebrate! It’s National Peanut Month. In honor of this observance, here are some fun facts about peanut butter – which is not only delicious, but also nutritious, affordable and convenient.

• To make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter, you need about 540 peanuts.
  
  
• The oldest operating manufacturer and seller of peanut butter started back in 1898.
  
  
• Americans spend nearly $800 million a year on peanut butter.
  
  
• The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before graduating high school.
  
  
• Peanuts not only contain more than 30 vitamins and nutrients, but they also have more protein than any other nut – with 7 grams per serving.

Think you’ve tried just about every recipe with peanut butter? Here is a new one for you. Try this delicious twist on another spreadable food – peanut butter hummus.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can chickpeas
  
  
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  
  
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  
  
• 1 garlic clove
  
  
• ¼ cup water
  
  
• 2 tablespoons salted peanuts, chopped
  
  
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  
  
• Sea salt (optional topping)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, peanut butter, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt and garlic.

3. Blend until smooth, gradually adding ¼ cup of water to achieve a creamy consistency.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.

6. Garnish with chopped salted peanuts and sprinkle smoked paprika over the top, if desired. You can also finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt.

7. Serve with your choice of vegetables, pita bread or crackers.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 211; Carbs: 20g; Protein: 8g; Fat: 12g

Recipe Card for Peanut Butter Hummus

Sources:
National Day Calendar
National Peanut Board