2 minute read
LET’S GET NUTS
By Tamara Aschenbrenner
A Love For The Versatility Of Peanut Butter
There comes a point in every food lover’s life when a particular ingredient transcends its ordinary status and becomes an absolute obsession. For me, that culinary fixation has, for quite some time, been peanut butter. I admit, this started as a self-serving roundup to satisfy my cravings across Edmonton, but I knew I couldn’t be the only one to benefit. Its creamy or crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavour make it a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide array of dishes. From savoury to sweet, peanut butter adds a unique twist and opens the door to culinary creativity—as you’re about to find out.
Savoury
Cherished for its velvety texture and nutty richness, peanut butter effortlessly weaves its way through the diverse tapestry of culinary experiences, whether in North American childhood favourites, West African dishes like groundnut soup, or various Asian dishes using peanut sauce (satay sauce) as a dip, a marinade, or a drizzle. No matter the cuisine, the creamy and nutty base of the peanut butter adds depth and a hint of sweetness to savoury concoctions, making them hard to resist.
Recommendations:
1. Spicy Satay Soup from Thanh Thanh (thanhthanh.ca)
2. Peanut Soup from Mon Amie Resto (monamieresto.ca)
3. Salad Rolls with peanut sauce from Dang Good Vietnamese Restaurant (danggood.ca)
4. Rama Long Song from Thai Valley Grill (thaivalleygrill.ca)
5. The PB&J Burger from Next Act (nextactpub.com)
Sweet
Peanut butter is perhaps most famously associated with sweet treats. Its creamy texture and nutty taste make it ideal for baking, with cookies, brownies, and bars being perennial favourites—though the possibilities don’t stop there. Chefs and bakers have taken the versatility of peanut butter to new heights by incorporating it into cakes, ice creams, pies, and even milkshakes. Its distinct flavour can be balanced with chocolate, caramel, or fruit, resulting in a wide array of delectable desserts.
Recommendations:
1. Peanut Butter Mousse Pie from Vi’s For Pies (vis-for-pies.business.site)
2. Peanut Butter Squares from Sugared & Spiced (sugaredandspiced.ca)
3. Peanut Milkshake from Nosh Café (noshcafeedmonton.com)
4. Peanut Butter Cake from Remedy Café (remedycafe.ca)
5. Peanut Butter Milkshake from Boardwalk Burgers (boardwalkburgers.ca)
