March: National Peanut Month
Last updated on June 30th, 2022 at 12:06 pm
Peanuts are delicious and so versatile. They are an excellent source of protein and are full of heart-healthy antioxidants. Here are some interesting facts about peanuts:
1- Peanuts are not true nuts but a member of a family of legumes related to peas, lentils, chickpeas and other beans.
2- Peanuts start growing as a ground flower that due to its heavy weight bends towards the ground and eventually burrows underground where the peanut actually matures.
3- The average American consumes more than six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter products each year.
4- Dr. George Washington Carver researched and developed more than 300 uses for peanuts in the early 1900s; Dr. Carver is considered “The Father of the Peanut Industry” because of his extensive research and selfless dedication to promoting peanut production and products.
5- Adrian Finch of Australia holds the Guinness World Record for peanut throwing, launching the lovable legume 111 feet and 10 inches in 1999 to claim the record.
This Peanut Pie Recipe is courtesy of Virginia Diner (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Salted Virginia Peanuts, crushed w/ rolling pin or mallet
- 3 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 c Sugar
- 1/2 c All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/3 c Light Corn Syrup
- 1 T Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 Blind-Baked 9″ Pie Crust
- Whipped Cream (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Whisk together eggs, sugar and flour until well combined. Add the corn syrup and peanuts, then the butter.
- Pour filling into prepared pie crust. Bake 45-50 minutes or until the pie is a rich golden brown, set around the edges, and still a little loose in the center. (If crust gets too brown before the filling is done, cover crust with a pie shield or foil)
- Cool to room temperature and serve with whipped cream, if desired.
