Spending time in the kitchen with your kids can be a great opportunity for them to learn many of the basics; reading, mathematics and science are all involved in cooking. Not to mention nutrition, food safety and creativity. At the time I learned fractions in the 5th grade, I didn’t realize how important they would be as my adult self was multiplying or dividing recipes.

Here’s a fun way to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning or snow day, ending with a unique and tasty sandwich for lunch! Have you ever had homemade peanut butter? It’s full of fresh, nutty flavor with a unique texture. But a simple jar of peanut butter isn’t as simple as it seems. Most kids, and adults, don’t know the amount of time and peanuts involved in making a few ounces of that wonderful stuff.

A recipe on Grains For Your Brain’s website begins with raw, Spanish peanuts. What are Spanish peanuts you may ask?  They are typically smaller than other varieties of peanuts, and have a papery, reddish skin. Spanish peanuts are packed with fiber, good fat and contain several nutrients that contribute to a healthy heart. (Read more of their health benefits at Healthy Eating.) The peanuts are cleaned and roasted, then combined with a little salt, oil and a few spices in a food processor and pulsed until smooth. Visit GrainsForYourBrain.org for the complete recipe and a yummy banana, peanut butter and honey grilled sandwich recipe.