Prepper Tip: Powdered Peanut Butter

     Sorry!  But after yesterday's post, I guess I just have Peanut Butter on the brain!  A good friend recently gave me a can of Provident Pantry's Peanut Butter Powder (try to say that real fast three times!) and I figured now was as good a time as any to try it.

     I was definitely skeptical because I knew I was going to have to please the biggest Peanut Butter lover in the world .... my husband, Peace-Loving Warrior.  But he was a good sport and agreed to be the Official Taste-Tester.  

     Right off the bat, I was pleased to see that the only ingredient was peanuts --- no fillers or additives.  And it smelled good; like roasted peanuts!  I followed the directions and added 2 Tsp of water per 2 Tbsp of powder.  That wasn't near enough liquid!  I kept adding small amounts of water until I got the consistency I wanted.  Then we tasted it.  Too bland and chalky.

     The instructions on the can suggest adding a small amount of sugar for taste.  PLW wanted honey, so that helped by adding both sweetness and smoothness to the mixture.  But it still didn't satisfy us.  Next we added just a pinch of salt, and that brought it still closer to pleasing our palate.  Almost there!  The last suggestion on the can was to add vegetable oil to compliment the texture and the taste.  That did it!  It was as close to store-bought peanut butter as we could get.

     I can't say that it tastes the same as the sugar-laden grocery store variety.  But it doesn't have all the partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that come with the latter either; and that's a good thing.  By controlling the amount of salt and sugar you add, along with the ability to choose healthy oils, you actually end up with a product that is not only satisfying but more nutritious.  When you compare the 200 calorie count of Peter Pan with the 70 calories of Provident Pantry, it's a better choice all the way around.

     It's a well-known fact that when the SHTF, peanut butter will be a great source of protein.  Plus we're all going to be craving a good PB&J every now and then.  As fast as the price on this staple is rising at the grocery store, you are better off buying it at BePrepared.com.  At the current price of $6.25/can, it will be a bargain when the store shelves are bare.  

     So, as far as rating the taste, texture and overall experience, I would give it an A minus.  With a little more experimentation with the honey and vegetable oil, I know I could perfect it to meet PLW's standards.  I also think it is a matter of simply getting used to a slightly different taste; after several servings I'm sure I wouldn't even notice the difference.  This is a must for every prepper's pantry!

Psalm 34:8     "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."