Happy National Peanut Butter & Chocolate Day

Peanut butter and chocolate, separately, have long and fascinating histories before they came together to create the beloved combination we know today.

Peanut Butter:

• The history of peanut butter can be traced back to ancient times. The ancient Incas and Aztecs were known to grind roasted peanuts into a paste-like substance.
• In the United States, credit for the creation of modern peanut butter is often given to Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, who patented a process for creating peanut butter from raw peanuts in the late 1800s. However, it was initially intended as a nutritious protein-rich food for patients with poor teeth.
• In 1904, peanut butter was showcased at the St. Louis World’s Fair and became more widely available and popularized in the following years.

Chocolate:

• Chocolate has an even older history, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs. They consumed chocolate in the form of a bitter beverage made from cacao beans, often combined with spices or chili peppers.
• The cacao bean was introduced to Europe after Christopher Columbus’s journeys to the Americas in the late 15th century. It remained a luxury for the elite until advancements in processing and production made it more accessible to the masses in the 19th century.
• In the early 20th century, innovations such as the Hershey’s chocolate bar and milk chocolate formulations contributed to the widespread popularity of chocolate as a beloved treat.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Together:

• The combination of peanut butter and chocolate first gained commercial success in the early 20th century when the H.B. Reese Candy Company introduced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in 1928.
• The idea of combining the two ingredients likely originated from the popular peanut butter sandwich, and the decision to encase the peanut butter in a chocolate shell was a stroke of genius.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups quickly became a hit and have remained one of the most beloved and iconic candy treats in the world.

Since then, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate has been featured in countless desserts and treats, such as cookies, brownies, ice creams, and cakes, delighting taste buds everywhere. The harmony of the nutty, creamy, and slightly savory flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, rich, and indulgent taste of chocolate continues to be a favorite among many people, proving that some culinary partnerships are truly meant to be.

One of the best peanut butter and chocolate recipes is for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delicious cookies combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Gently flatten each cookie with a fork, making a crisscross pattern.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delectable Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They are sure to be a hit with peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Here’s a simple recipe for you to enjoy:

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the bark from sticking and make it easier to remove once it’s set.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave. Start by microwaving for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. The powdered sugar will help sweeten and stabilize the peanut butter mixture.
4. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer using a spatula.
5. Spoon dollops of the peanut butter mixture onto the melted chocolate layer.
6. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate, creating a marbled pattern.
7. If desired, sprinkle the crushed peanuts evenly over the top of the bark, gently pressing them into the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
8. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer to allow the bark to set. It will take about 1-2 hours in the refrigerator or about 30 minutes in the freezer.
9. Once the bark is completely set and firm, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and break it into smaller pieces.
10. Store the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark as a delightful treat or share it with friends and family for a tasty surprise!