Today is National Nut Day

"This day is devoted to all things nuts-related including recipes and cooking tips. No matter what you eat today; include a healthy helping of nuts. They have lots of health benefits and they make you happy. This is important to remember on National Nut Day!" So, on this tasty day, let's take a minute to learn some fun nut facts - did you know . . .

• According to the Nutcracker Museum, nuts were a regular part of the human diet from as far back as almost 800,000 years ago!
• Pecan remains from 6100 B.C. were discovered in a Texas cave. 
• Early Europeans ate pistachios while Greeks and Romans believed walnuts were a gift from the gods. 
• By the 18th century, walnuts arrived in the New World, specifically, California.
• Although we associate macadamia nuts with Hawaii, they were originally grown in Queensland, Australia in the late 1800's and were eventually brought to Hawaii.
• The basic drawing for Mr. Peanut was created by a 13-year-old boy in 1916, who won $5.00.
• Nearly 88% of people surveyed responded they like or love nuts!
• Walnuts are people's favorite nut, followed by a three-way tie for peanuts, cashews, and hazelnuts, which were followed by pistachios, almonds, and pecans. My favorite is the almond.
• 10,000BC – The year walnuts can be traced back to, making them the oldest tree food.
• $800 million – The amount Americans spend each year on peanut butter.
• Chocolate companies buy 40% of the world’s almond supply.

You will find more information on nuts at this link.  If you are looking for a peanut butter recipe for a treat which is beyond enjoyable . . . these peanut-butter balls are for you! I made them for Dave 42 years ago and within a month and a half, he proposed to me! Wonderful things happen when you make these peanut-butter balls for people! 

Ingredients - 

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 2 cups peanut-butter
• 3 cups rice crispies cereal
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup solid shortening
• 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions -

• mix butter, sugar and peanut-butter then add the cereal and shape into 1 inch balls
• melt butter, shortening and chocolate chips, stirring so it is smooth - be careful not to overcook or scorch chocolate - a double boiler is very helpful in this step
• dip each peanut-butter ball into chocolate and set on waxed paper to set (I usually put them in the freezer at this point and then keep them in the freezer - they are particularly enjoyable frozen!)

This is another fun recipe to make with your grandchildren! Talk with them about how the peanut-butter balls are a sweet treat and share with them about some of the sweet "treats" with which God has blessed your life. Happy National Nut Day!