Quick Recipes For Those Who Love Peanut Butter

1. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
2. Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
3. Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk

• 1 cup ice

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional) 

Instructions:

1. Place bananas, peanut butter, milk, ice, and honey in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

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Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Serves: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl until smooth.

3. Roll dough into small balls, place on a baking sheet, and press each with a fork to make a crisscross pattern.

4. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool before serving.

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Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1 tbsp peanut butter

• 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy milk

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup sliced banana or berries

Instructions:

1. In a jar or container, combine oats, peanut butter, milk, and honey.

2. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

3. In the morning, stir again and top with fruit before serving.

From Hard Times to Hearty Meals: 3 Great Depression Recipes That Still Satisfy

During the Great Depression, families across America learned to stretch every ingredient and make the most of what they had. These humble, hearty recipes—like crispy potato cakes, filling Hoover stew, and simple eggless peanut butter cookies—are a testament to creativity in the kitchen during hard times. Today, they still bring comfort, flavor, and a little piece of history to the table.

Potato Cakes (a.k.a. Depression Potato Patties)

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for frying (pantry staple)

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed potatoes, egg, flour, onion (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form into small patties.
3. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Fry patties for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with applesauce or a dollop of sour cream if available.

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Depression-Era Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies

Serves: About 20 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp baking soda (pantry staple)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, pantry staple)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth.
3. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
4. Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Let cool before removing from the tray—they firm up as they cool.

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Hoover Stew (Budget Pasta Stew)

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced hot dogs
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté onion until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, hot dogs, corn, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked pasta and heat through.
5. Serve warm. Optional: top with a sprinkle of cheese if available.