If you have never had peanut butter naturually–then you are missing OUT! I had my first batch in Zambia in 2007 when the Wiphan widows made it in their wooden churns for us. I went right to the market and bought our family a wooden churn to bring home—only when I bought it, Kunda informed me what a prize it was. This is the gift that family and friends will put all their money together to give the bride on her wedding day. A. Very. Big. Deal. 
They use this to churn everything from corn meal to peanuts. Only peanuts are quite the delicacy there–and harder to afford for most families.
Making it yourself is not only SO YUMMY…but it is quite a workout too…and I like to let the kids have at it on a rainy or too hot to be outside day. One thing that Africa has really changed me in–is how I parent. No joke. When you see 5 year olds raising their baby brothers and sisters, you realize how much your squirts are capable of.
First we got our peanuts ready. You can buy your peanuts already roasted–or roast yourself. We do it both ways, and I’ll tell you there isn’t much of a taste difference. It’s fun to roast yourself with the kids the first time. But after that–I just buy them preroasted and get them to shell away…
Laney had the honor of pouring them in…
Then the eldest…showed the others once again how it’s done…
Next up was the little lady of the house…
I had to show Laney how these Wiphan widows put the men in the compound to shame with their hard work—and she gave it her best…
And she beat those peanuts as long as she could until she was about to fall right out…
And believe it or not…even Frank is a machine when it comes to making peanut butter African style…
Working those muscles while we cheer him on…
“Oh Momma! Lemme take a little rest for just a second!”
After the peanuts were all creamed—we add honey and a bit of peanut oil. You can add some kosher salt also if you used the unroasted natural peanuts too. I just add enough honey to make it as creamy as I like it and a bit of peanut oil (you can also use canola oil instead) until it was the right consistency.
AND WA-LA!
To make a batch similar to ours you’ll need:
Approximately 1 Tablespoon of honey
Approximately 1/2 Tablespoon of peanut oil (you can substitute with canola)
pinch of Kosher salt (optional–only add if peanuts are NOT already salted)
Seriously…if you are a peanut butter fan—you will NEVER buy store bought peanut butter after you taste this. It’s easy peasy, and if you ask me—our kids could use a little old school labor instead of being handed everything on a silver spoon.
NOW…if anyone has a trick for keeping a 4 year old out of your flower bed…lemme know. My garden is in full bloom but it might not be for long if I can’t get this girl of mine out of it. BUT…flowers are for picking and enjoying…and how could you say no to this face when she says, “Momma, I picked you this!”
Hope you all have a great Wednesday. Please pray for our upcoming court date between the watches of the night on Sunday and Monday. He’s got the whole world in His hands…including Isaac, His birth mom…and YOU.
And look what’s brewing in the veggie beds…I can just taste the fried green tomatoes now…YUM…
And blackberries in waiting…
So many wonderful things ahead:)
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