Pre-vacation Eats & Honey Roasted Peanut Butter
Ah, the last few days before a vacation. Desperately trying to use up all the produce, avoid the grocery store, and eat relatively clean, knowing that vacation will probably include plenty of indulgences…
I’m leaving for Boston this afternoon, so I tried not to fill up my fridge this week. I just bought the essentials (bananas, almond milk, kale, and Chobani) and I’ve been eating those things in a pretty solid rotation for the past few days. I know it’s pretty boring, but I like to eat my favorites until I’m sick of them, and it means I won’t come back to a bunch of spoiled groceries.
To avoid absolutely boring you with a recap of the same old thing, here’s a quick snap shot of the things that haven’t changed:
Breakfast– I don’t know if I’ll stop craving these once the weather gets cold, but for now, I’m sticking with these green smoothies.
Lunch– I literally can’t get enough kale these days. Tossed with a little quinoa for extra protein. So good!
Dinner– I was craving Chobani + Protein Powder + Blueberries + Love Grown Granola, so that’s exactly what I had for dinner.
Snacking– I made another batch of this Samoa Granola and I forgot how addicting it is…(Note: it’s much easier to eat after the chocolate sets up a bit 😉 ) I also had a few handfuls of Wholesome Goodness Yukon Mix while Lindsay and I sat on the porch sipping wine.
Despite my rotation of old favorites, I did whip up a new kind of nut butter. Not because I didn’t already have four jars of various nut butters in the pantry, just because I hadn’t made some in awhile, and it’s fun! I had been craving honey roasted peanuts for some reason, which were a childhood favorite of mine, so that was my inspiration for this concoction!
Honey Roasted Peanut Butter
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional but I liked the subtle flavor)
If you have a Vitamix, this will only take about 5 minutes. If you’re using a regular food processor, it can take up to 15 minutes, but it should still work. Just combine everything in the blender or processor, and let it run on high. You’ll probably need to scrape the sides every 2-3 minutes. If it feels really try, you can add a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil, but give it time. You don’t want to add too much oil, or your end product will be too wet. If you want crunchy peanut butter, reserve 1/3 cup of the peanuts, and add them in the last minute or two of blending.
Nothing like fresh peanut butter to inspire some snacking…
My favorite way to enjoy it is simply with an apple or a banana. I also usually have a scoop of PB along side my morning smoothie. The added protein + fat helps keep me full longer. Then again, the easiest way to enjoy it, is right out of the jar 😉
Ohh.. that peanut butter…. *swoon*. Yes, I use up my groceries prior to travel, and I take some groceries with me. This past spring, the baggage handlers at the airport in Hawaii stole my hemp seeds, hemp protein & Vega smoothie infusions. 🙁
Aww that’s so sad! They tried to take my powdered peanut butter away once until I explained what it was!!
Woot, so close! I hope you have the BEST time in Boston, I live only about 30 minutes from it and venture in all of the time! Let me know if you want some suggestions of where to dine out 🙂
You should come hang out with Rachael (Ready to Get Sweaty) and I on Thursday!!
We do end up eating pretty healthy before a vacation (1) because we know we’ll be splurging while we are out and (2) to use up all the veggies in the house!
this all looks so good!
Have the best time in Boston! I find that my creativity in the kitchen peaks just before I go on holiday- like you I try and finish up all my groceries so I have no choice but to think outside the box! I was actually going to buy a jar of natural honey peanut butter but then decided I could probably do without all that excess sugar….this version sounds much more up my alley 😀
You should you totally try it! You could probably even cut down on the honey for a lower sugar version!
I’m kind of jealous of your dinner. I always feel like I have to cook a sit-down meal for the hubs and I, but sometimes all I want is something simple. I need to make him fend for himself more often!
Haha yeah I’m all about lazy dinners! Sometimes I just want something simple (and fast!!)
I’ve never made my own nut butter – really want to give it a try though.
And I am really big on using up groceries before trips. I mean, who wants to come back to a smelly kichen?! Ha!
Omg I’m making that peanut butter stat 🙂
Xo Emilie at Hungry Delights
A fan from Boston! If you need any recommendations while visiting our fabulous city send me an email. Have fun!
Bob.
Aw, thanks Bob! I think we’re going to try to check out a few of the museums, and hopefully swing by Fenway park!!
I ALWAYS try to use up everything before I leave. Makes for some interesting meals the night before a departure… ha.
However, the roommate and I always hand off whatever’s left to the other person not traveling. So sometimes I get some pretty sweet free food when she leaves for the weekend. 😉
Hahaha that’s how I got my roommate hooked on kale!!! I left her some in the fridge the last time I left, and now I think she’s addicted too 😉