Cowgirls and peanut butter lovers unite! I've got the easiest way to make homemade peanut butter, and holy mack, it was sooo good! Soph and I are on a mission to create the foods we love without all the added processing. With the horse racing season in a lull, my teens are immersed in other sports and their appetites are growing. I've taken it upon myself to educate them about healthy eating and steer clear of heavily processed, performance-detrimental foods. Employing my mom's secret superpower of reverse psychology, I'm also instilling in them the value of preparing meals and gathering around the table as a wholesome habit. These little moments provide the perfect opportunity to chat and share giggles with her freely. It's not just about mindlessly cracking open peanuts together—it's about creating a safe space to have open conversations while engaging in constructive activities.

Spending more time with your teenager while preparing meals can be a great way to bond and create meaningful connections. It provides an opportunity for open communication, teamwork, and the chance to teach important life skills. Here are some benefits and tips for making the most of this time:

1. Quality Time: Cooking together allows for quality time spent with your teen. Use this time to talk about their day, share stories, and strengthen your relationship.

2. Teaching Life Skills: Involving your teenager in meal preparation teaches them essential life skills such as planning, organizing, and cooking. It's a practical way for them to learn about nutrition, meal planning, and kitchen safety.

3. Teamwork and Collaboration: Cooking together encourages teamwork and collaboration. Assign tasks, work together to follow a recipe, and share responsibilities. This promotes a sense of responsibility and cooperation.

4. Creativity and Exploration: Experiment with different recipes and ingredients. Encourage your teen to express their creativity in the kitchen. Trying new things together can be a fun and adventurous experience.

5. Healthy Habits: Preparing meals at home often leads to healthier food choices. Use this time to discuss the importance of a balanced diet and make nutritious meals together.

6. Problem-Solving: Cooking involves problem-solving, from adjusting recipes to dealing with unexpected challenges. This can be a valuable learning experience for your teen, fostering resilience and adaptability.

7. Building Confidence: Successfully preparing a meal can boost your teen's confidence. Praise their efforts and celebrate the finished product together.

8. Time Management: Planning and preparing meals require time management skills. Use this opportunity to discuss the importance of time management and how it applies to various aspects of life.

Remember to keep it enjoyable and not overly focused on perfection. The goal is to create a positive and supportive environment while sharing valuable, memorable moments with your teenager. Embrace the imperfections and cherish the laughter and growth that come with each experience.

Cowgirl Peanut Butter Recipe:

Yields 1 Cup of Peanut Butter (We tripled the amount to 3 cups)

1 bag of natural roasted peanuts Beyond Nature Dry Roasted Peanuts (No GMO!!)

1/2 tsp of salt

*Optional: Raw Honey Nate’s 100% Raw Unfiltered Honey

In a Ninja food processor, pour the freshly roasted peanuts in and sprinkle just the right amount of salt for a perfect balance of flavors. Allow the machine to work its magic for approximately 5-6 minutes, patiently watching as the mixture transforms, gradually forming a cohesive ball before evolving into a velvety rich butter. It's at this point that you can introduce a touch of natural sweetness by gently incorporating some honey into the mix. Pour it into a Ball jar glass container and refrigerate. Will last up to a few weeks, but you’ll be lucky that it makes it to just a few days! Enjoy!