Did you know that Florida produces peanuts? Lots of them actually. About 10-12% of all peanuts grown in the US are from Florida. Only Georgia and Alabama produce more and Farmer Joe’s has them in our store, ready for you.
Peanuts are in season right now, so they are at their freshest. While the peanut isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of recipes, these versatile legumes have some fun uses. Here are a few ways to use them.
Boiled Peanut Hummus
If you want a way to enjoy all your fresh vegetables from the Farmer Joe’s produce department, how about a Peanut Hummus? Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled peanuts, shelled
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, do not drain
- 2-3 tablespoons tahini
- 2/3 cup olive oil (or more as needed)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning (such as Everglades seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 3-5 tablespoons cold water (or more as needed)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as chives, cilantro, or parsley)
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
Place all ingredients except the oil and herbs into a food processor or blender. Turn on low and slowly drizzle in oil. Scrape down sides as needed, increase speed to high and blend until smooth.
If the hummus is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until smooth. Garnish with fresh herbs, olive oil or topping of choice.
Serve chilled with fresh vegetables from the Farmer Joe’s Produce Department and crackers. Store in refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Peanut and Chocolate Popcorn Balls
How about a tasty, sweet treat that both kids and adults will love?
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 16 cups popped popcorn
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (use any combination of milk, dark, white, peanut butter or toffee chips)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt to taste
- 1 cup chocolate melting wafers or chips (for melting and drizzling on the completed popcorn balls)
Preparation
In a medium saucepan, add butter and melt over medium-low heat. When the butter is melted, add mini marshmallows. Continue cooking the marshmallow and butter mixture while stirring. When most of the marshmallows have melted, add peanut butter, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir ingredients until completely smooth and remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, add popped popcorn and Florida peanuts. Carefully add melted marshmallow mixture to the mixing bowl with popcorn and peanuts. Stir popcorn mixture until evenly mixed. When the popcorn mixture has cooled to room temperature, add chocolate chips and stir the ingredients until evenly combined.
Line a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper. Form popcorn and peanut balls using your hands. You should be able to make at least 12 three-inch balls placing them on the lined cookie sheet when done.
In a small sauce pot, add 3 cups of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Use a glass bowl that will fit over the top of the small sauce pot to make a double boiler. Add melting chocolate to the glass bowl and let it melt while occasionally stirring. When the chocolate is melted and smooth, use a spoon to have fun drizzling the chocolate over the completed popcorn balls. Chill slightly and serve.
Sweet and Salty Wings
Are you looking for a recipe for either a snack or a meal? Look no further.
Ingredients
- 24 chicken wings from Farmer Joe’s meat department (separated into 2 pieces)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Florida honey
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs for garnish, finely chopped (such as parsley or cilantro)
- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning (your favorite)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
In a small saucepan over low heat combine honey, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or until honey is melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Spread out wings in a single layer, season with all-purpose seasoning, and bake for 45 minutes. Turn oven up to 425 and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and toss with honey mixture. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and garnish with chopped herbs. Serve warm.
These are just a few things you can do with fresh peanuts from Farmer Joe’s. If you want some more ideas, visit the Fresh from Florida site.