Peanut butter has been a popular spread in the American diet for centuries, and it’s no wonder why. It is arguably most famous for its combination with jelly or jam that can’t be described as anything short of an American classic.
But, just in case anybody doubts the greatness of the peanut, and in honor of November being “National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month,” here are 10 utilitarian ways to use peanut butter:
CD/DVD scratch repair: Have a DVD or CD that keeps skipping? Take some smooth peanut butter and apply it to where the disc is scratched. After a minute or two, wipe away the peanut butter with a soft cloth. [Lifehacker]
Leather Cleaner: Peanut butter works as a great cleaner for leather furniture. Put a small amount of smooth peanut butter on a cloth and rub it in a circular motion. The natural oils in peanut butter will make your couch sparkle. [Huffington Post]
Butter Replacement: This one’s for the vegan crowd: Did you know that most recipes can be cooked with peanut butter instead of regular butter? Aside from being a mostly healthier alternative, you’ll love the subtle taste difference. [Livestrong]
Mouse Bait: A common misconception is that mice love cheese — but those pesky critters actually prefer peanut butter. Put a big spoonful at the end of a mousetrap, and you’ll see how quickly they come. [Victor]
Disguise Your Pet’s Medicine: Pet owners know the all-too-familiar feeling of prying a cat or dog’s mouth open in order for them to swallow something they need. This method will put that struggle to rest. Next time you have to give your pet a pill, mix it up with a spoonful of peanut butter. [Pet Health 101]
Lubricant: Peanut Butter makes an excellent lubricant for anything that might be rusty in the shed. Smear some peanut butter on your weathered lawnmower blades or saws, and they’ll be working better in no time. You might not always have lubricant, but more than likely you will have peanut butter lying around. [The Richest]
Gum Remover: Gum stuck in the carpet is a nuisance; gum stuck in your hair is a tragedy. Fear no more: peanut butter can remove both. Rub peanut butter on the gum and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. The oil should soften things up, allowing the gum to be removed easily. [WikiHow]
Odor Eliminator: Frying fish or onions can leave your house with a stale and potent smell, but of course peanut butter can change that. After cooking, put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a hot pan and let it fry for a few minutes. [Lifehack]
Hair Moisturizer: Massaging peanut butter into your hair does wonders. The oils give it a shine that many hair products can’t. [Lifehack]
Shaving Cream: Next time you run out of shaving gel, apply some peanut butter on yourself. It may sound crazy, but it works just as well. You’ll get a very smooth shave, and the oils in peanut butter are great for your skin. [Examiner]
If you want to find great New-York-made peanut butter in Westchester you can try Saratoga Peanut Butter Company, which has retailers in Hudson, Albany, Poughkeepsie, White Plains, and more. Another option is Peanut Butter Principle, which has support from local farmer’s markets in Kingston, Pleasantville, Larchmont, Troy, and Croton-on-Hudson, to name a few.
