Peanut butter is one of the staples that is usually on every cook’s shelf in the pantry. With peanut butter, one can make a quick dessert, a delicious soup, or the beloved peanut butter cookies.

Peanut Butter Celery Soup

1 cup sliced celery

1 med. onion, chopped

2 Tbls. butter

4-1/2 cups milk (you can use soy milk for parve)

4 chicken-flavored parve broth bouillon cubes

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

toasted croutons

In top part of double boiler, over direct heat, cook celery and onion in butter for three minutes, stirring all the while. Put over boiling water and add 4-1/4 cups milk. Heat to scalding, add bouillon cubes and pepper. Cover, cook 15 minutes. Beat remaining 1/4 cup milk with peanut butter, until well blended. Add to soup mixture, stir to blend. Serve piping hot with croutons. Makes 6 servings.

Peanut Butter Chicken

2 lb. chicken cutlets

½ cup peanut butter

½ cup water or apple juice

⅓ cup soy sauce

1–2 teaspoons sesame oil

chili pepper

skewers

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and put 3 to 5 pieces on a skewer. Heat water and peanut butter in the microwave or stove. Add the oil and chili pepper. Pour sauce over skewers that have been placed on cookie sheet. Marinate for a few hours or overnight.

BBQ in the oven or on the grill and you will love the results!

Peanut Butter Balls

2 tablespoons margarine softened

1 ⅔ cups peanut butter

2 cups confectioner’s sugar

2 cups Rice Krispies

1 cup chocolate that is melted

Mix together all by hand except the chocolate

Form into balls with about 1–2 tablespoons. If the mixture is too runny or soft add more Rice Krispies. If it is too crumbly, add more peanut butter. Put on a cookie sheet on parchment paper and refrigerate one hour or longer.

Melt chocolate over double boiler in a saucepan over low heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil.

Dip balls in chocolate and put back on parchment paper and then put in refrigerator until set.

Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing

⅔ cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mixed salad greens

Whisk together first seven ingredients in a bowl until blended and smooth. Serve over mixed salad greens.

Gail Hochman has been a resident of Bergen County for over 30 years and has been blessed with many grandchildren.

By Gail Hochman