Peanut butter bliss

So, I've been making my own peanut butter for a while now and I recently ate some of a national brand that I used to buy religiously. The result? I liked my peanut butter so much better! I was nervous, because when I first started making peanut butter, it was good, but not what I was used to. I liked my homemade variety better than the all natural peanut butter we bought, but it was still different than that classic peanut butter taste I grew up with. Now, I don't think I could go back. Homemade peanut butter provides a richness and a depth of flavor lacking in that national brand. Plus, with all the unsanitary conditions at some of the peanut factories around the country, this is a much safer option as well; and I know exactly what is in my peanut butter.

My journey into the realm of the peanut butter began when I saw an episode of Good Eats; which is where many a food fascination starts for me. The episode focused on peanuts and Alton Brown made a peanut butter pie with homemade peanut butter. I read some reviews online about the pie and many people used store-bought peanut butter and said it turned out fine, but the people who made their own peanut butter raved about the results. Always up for a new culinary challenge, I decided to make my own peanut butter for the pie. The pie turned out so deliciously wonderful and we were hooked on the new peanut butter, too. I now make several jars at a time and have made many batches for family and friends. I also just made my first batch of chunky peanut butter and gave it to Michael since he prefers the chunky variety.

I have thought about selling my peanut butter at the retail level, and Eva and Katie helped me come up with a brand name, Cousin Luke's Fundamental Peanut Butter. I met with The Sunspot last summer to discuss selling it there, but I got discouraged when I found out I had to get my own separate permit to make my peanut butter in the back room. Aunt Joan has since said that she doesn't mind having an inspector come out so I can get my permit, so now the ball is in my court. I think it would be a rewarding experience to be able to make a quality product for people to enjoy and discover what real peanut butter tastes like. Who knows?