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March 30 Day Challenge: Do old school DIY

As mentioned in my previous article ’2014 new year resolutions from architecture and design bloggers’, 2014 is about the sprint rather than the marathon. My 2014 new year resolution is to try something new every 30 days, 2014 will be the year for growth, focus and fun! In January I took a photo a day, in February I created an artwork.

In March I set out to get back to basics and create something old school DIY. I have the fondest memories of growing up with my grandparents and of delicious food bringing the family together every Sunday. So it is no surprise the focus of this challenge begins with an epic journey into the realm of my favourite food item: Peanut butter!

Addiction? Peanut butter on toast or PBT accounts for more than one daily meal. If we are what we eat then i’m 90% peanuts and 10% water. The following is the development of my own recipe (from 30 days of trial and error) for making a stellar peanut butter!

Ingredients:

1. 200 grams of raw, unsalted peanuts

2. A pinch of fine grade salt

3. 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Additional items:

1. Honey

2. Jam

Method:

1. Pre-heat your oven at 180 degrees (celsius) for 15 minutes.

2. Place 200 grams of raw, unsalted peanuts on a large baking tray.

3. Place the peanuts in the oven for 15 minutes. Shake the tray every 5 minutes to prevent the peanuts from burning. When they turn from beige to golden brown your peanuts are ready! They will continue to cook so continue to stir them while they cool down.

4. Using a mortar and pestle, grind 100 grams of your peanuts to the consistency desired for crunchy peanut butter.

5. Place the other 100 grams into a blender.

6. Add salt to the ratio of one teaspoon per kilogram of nuts.

7. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

8. Blend until smooth. Your smooth peanut butter is ready for delicious consumption!

To make crunchy peanut butter:

1. Add the ground peanuts to your smooth peanut butter mixture. I also added some honey for delicious sweetness.

2. You can also mix in some of your favourite jam…Or create your own.

Images of the Peanut Butter Process!

And now that the delicious deed is done? …..ITS PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!

Also check out this awesome website peanutbutterlovers.com for delicious recipes and interesting applications!

Some observations:

1. Peanut Butter makes me happy! I’d choose it over any other drug.

2. It was rewarding to recognise something you love and be involved in the process of making

3. Food is such a wonderful device for sharing and connecting with people.

Hope you found this article interesting. If you have any comments peanut butter stories or recipes please leave them in the section below or email any suggestions for a future challenge to [email protected].