Back to school already! You want to feed the people you love all-natural peanut butter, but it’s such a hassle to stir and serve. And you want the young folks in your home to be able to get at that jam without having to handle glass jars. Here’s what to do…
Natural peanut butter (available at supermarkets and health-food stores)—which is made only from peanuts (no sugar or preservatives)—has a layer of oil on top. Don’t spill off the oil! It’s necessary to make the solid portion spreadable and even more delicious. The oil should be mixed in before the jar is refrigerated.
The best way to do that is to leave the jar on its side for a few days before you open it. Then the mixing process will be fairly easy. Just mix it until the oil is fully integrated into the solid portion, and then refrigerate it.
Bonus: Once you open a jar of natural peanut butter, store it upside down in the refrigerator. It will stay fresher longer. But it may not be around for long after you read this.
Easy jam access: Transfer your favorite all-fruit spread into a clean squeeze bottle to make if more manageable for young children. If your favorite jams are lumpy from fruit chunks, pulse a batch of it in a food processor before adding it to the squeeze bottle. We have seen some jellies in convenient squeezable bottles at the supermarket, but they are usually NOT the healthiest brands on the shelf!
More help in the kitchen…
• 6 Mistakes Even Good Cooks Make
