The Peanut Butter Dilution Solution

So, we are absolute peanut butter addicts. OK, by we, I mean me. And, perhaps I could check into a facility to learn to overcome the powerful force that propels my body to the peanut butter jar or the tin of Hubs but for now, I just manage it on my own...and here is one little tip that changes the calorie and fat components of the spread.

I take equal parts steamed butternut squash and peanut butter (after I diligently pour any excess oil off the top) and add to them one half teaspoon of vanilla extract and blend. I then use that mixture as if it were peanut butter. Occasionally, we add a little honey or alternatively serve it on a cracker with blackstrap molasses. (I do not sweeten it much because, of course, that would put me in the great american conundrum of fat vs. sugar.) So, the calorie change is as follows:

Straight peanut butter: 190 calories; 16 grams of fat

Half peanut butter / half squash: 105 calories; 8 grams of fat

Plus, the squash mixture has vitamins A and C, traces of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients which are not found in peanut butter. So, it really is a better balance; more filling due to the fiber in the squash so you stop eating sooner. It maintains a creamy rich consistency but is nonetheless lighter in every way. Feedback from the kids: "This would be better as a batter" (with a little flour and sweeteners it is similar to our muffin / waffle batter); "can we use this in peanut ginger sauce?" (yes we can and we did); "oh, yum, can I bring this to school on a corn thin?" (absolutely not; do you know what they do to mothers who send peanut butter to school?)