The Perfect Three-Course Meal for Peanut Butter Lovers

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich has officially left the building. When you eat this every other day in elementary school, you've sort of reached your limit. The thing is, peanut butter itself is delicious and quite versatile if used in the right way. Let's explore this kitchen cabinet staple and showcase it via the three dinner courses.

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Appetizer: Peanut Butter Hummus

Sounds a little strange and maybe not so sexy. However, I can assure you this dip is so smooth and rich you'll never want to go back to the plain old spread. With this recipe, peanut butter is used in lieu of sesame seed-based tahini (which can sometimes be a bit bitter). Nevertheless, it is always used to make traditional hummus. Using good ol' PB instead, here's an alternative to this popular Mediterranean starter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cans of chickpeas
• ½ clove garlic
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (or chili powder)
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• ½ tablespoon finely chopped peanuts
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (to serve)
• Pita bread, sliced (or bread sticks, tortillas or crackers to serve)

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas.
2. Put the garlic clove, chickpeas, oil, peanut butter, lemon juice, salt, and cumin into a food processor and blend.
3. Add Greek yogurt and process again; if the hummus is still very thick, add another tablespoon each of yogurt and oil.
4. Taste for seasoning, adding more lemon juice and salt if needed.
5. Mix the chopped peanuts with the paprika and sprinkle on top.

Entrée: Spicy Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Who would have ever thought such a cheap noodle would climb up the food ladder in the most lavish way? With ramen shops popping up all across the country, people are really enjoying this simple and delicious meal. No longer associated with the poor college student—did you know it's fancy now?

Here's a quick, cheap and easy way to feel fancy at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet instant ramen noodles
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• A dash or two of sriracha or Tabasco (or your favorite hot sauce)
• Chopped peanuts (optional)
• Chopped green onion (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare ramen as directed on package.
2. Drain all but about ¼ cup of the liquid from the noodles.
3. Add peanut butter, sriracha or Tabasco sauce, and soy sauce.
4. Stir together until well combined.
5. Top with peanuts and/or green onion if desired.

Dessert: Easy Peanut Butter Popsicles

Not only is this super easy, but it's really delicious and perfect at a BBQ summer refresher. If you have popsicle molds, great. If not, no worries. You're allowed to be lazy—it's dessert time!

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, chunky or smooth
• 5 oz Greek yogurt (flavored or plain)

Directions:

1. Mix peanut butter with yogurt until completely blended.
2. Stir well and place into popsicle molds, or just put the mixture back in the yogurt container with a plastic fork sticking out the top.
3. Freeze overnight to set and enjoy!

More Snack Time Spread Hacks

• How to Make Homemade Nutella That's Better Than the Real Stuff
• Make Trader Joe's Must-Have Speculoos Cookie Butter at Home
• This Awesome 3-Ingredient Fruit Dip Will Change How You Snack
• 5 Delicious Uses for Your "Empty" Nutella & Peanut Butter Jars
• Make Quick Cheese at Home Using Only 3 Common Ingredients

Photos by Michele Giannusa/Food Hacks