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 😉
yum, lady! this looks awesome, and so easy!! I have yet to make my own PB but it really doesn’t seem that hard. Do you eat the 2% plain chobani’s? how do you like those?! I can’t seem to find them at the grocery store; only 0% plain..but I LOVE the other 2% flavors because they are creamier and just better, but I don’t like the added sugars necessarily. I LOVE eating cereals/chobani/etcs for dinner, too 🙂
Have fun in Boston!
Some of my most creative meals have happened in the days right before leaving on vacation and trying to use everything!
That peanut butter looks yummy 🙂
I can’t stand wasting food! I def use up all my food b4 trips.
The granola name sounds delicious! I love amking my own nut butter. Saves money too. 🙂
Mmm… honey roasted PB sounds amazing!
I def always try to use up groceries. I HATE for things to go to waste! Can you use a regular blender for making your nut butter recipes? They look amazing!
As long as you have a pretty heavy duty one, it should work, but if it’s a cheap-y, be careful! I know of a few people that have burned out blenders from trying to make nut butter!
Your peanut butter looks so good! I always make sure I clear out the fridge before a holiday. I’m scared what I might find when I get back!
oops, only a half comment…
I’ve been waiting until my fridge is completely empty when I grocery shop…..it’s a good excuse to clean tthe fridge…but I should probably go more often.
Your peanut butter looks terrific!
Lately, I’ve been waiting until