Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, divided
• 6 tablespoons annatto oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 6 ounces Münster cheese, coarsely grated (2 cups)

Preparation

Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Cover potatoes with cold water in a medium pot, then stir in 1 teaspoon salt and simmer until very tender, about 18 minutes.

While potatoes simmer, cook garlic and 1/3 cup scallions in 2 tablespoons annatto oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in cumin and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add tomato and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a bare simmer, then remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until combined well. Keep peanut sauce warm, covered, off heat.

Drain potatoes, then mash in a bowl.

Cook remaining 1/2 cup scallions with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in 2 tablespoons annatto oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until scallions are softened, then stir into potatoes along with cheese. Form potato mixture into 8 balls and flatten each into a 3-inch patty.

Heat 1 tablespoon annatto oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then fry cakes in 2 batches, turning over once, until crusty, about 6 minutes per batch. Add remaining tablespoon annatto oil for second batch.

Gently reheat peanut sauce, thinning to a creamy consistency with a little water if necessary. Season sauce with salt and serve with potato cakes.

Gourmet, September 2007

Ingredients

• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup butter cut into tablespoons
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each: baking powder, salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, but not natural peanut butter
• 1/2 to 2/3 cups chopped peanuts

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Melt 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips and the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly; let cool. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in small bowl; set aside.

2. Beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until combined; gradually add the dry ingredients, beating well. Add the reserved chocolate mixture; beat well. Spread the dough onto a greased 15-by-10 inch rimmed baking sheet; bake until firm, about 12-15 minutes. Cool until barely warm, about 20 minutes.

3. Spread the peanut butter over the chocolate layer; sprinkle with the peanuts. Melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips; spread while warm over the nut layer. Let cool completely; cut into squares.

Note: Sue Manos says she microwaves the peanut butter for 5-10 seconds to soften it for spreading.

Chicago Tribune

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. maple syrup
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1/4 c. canola oil
• 1/2 c. peanut butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• a pinch salt
• 1 c. all-purpose flour

Preparation

Mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, canola oil, peanut butter and vanilla extract. Then add the cup of flour and the salt and mix to combine.

Form teaspoon-sized balls with your hands and press down with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350.

To make these chocolate peanut butter cookies, change the flour for 2/3 c. flour and 1/3 c. cocoa powder.

Makes 2-3 dozen.

VegWeb.com

Ingredients

• 3 sticks butter, melted
• 2 cups peanut butter
• 1 lb confectioner’s sugar
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 12 oz chocolate chips

Preparation

Mix 2 sticks melted butter, peanut butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs together and spread in 15 x 10 1/2 in cookie sheet.

Melt chocolate chips and butter together, pour over peanut butter mixture.

Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, then let stand at room temperature before cutting.

Jackie Ott