Roasted peanuts are a delicious to munch on at a baseball game or the county fair. But, there is so much more you can do with the tasty legume. Grab a bag of tasty peanuts and head to the kitchen. Here are some easy ways to incorporate peanuts and peanut butter in your recipes.

There are so many more delicious ways to enjoy peanuts than in your standard trail mix or PB & J. Not that I have anything against the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich; my oldest son eats one daily. I enjoy my morning toast with a slathering of peanut butter and a drizzle of honey. Peanuts are groundnuts in the legume family. They were domesticated in South America as early as 1500 B.C. They made their way to Europe and Africa before coming to colonial America in the 1700s. Back then, peanuts were grown primarily as livestock food and for oil. Roasted peanuts gained popularity in the late 1800s when they were introduced by the Barnum and Bailey's Circus. Peanut butter was introduced to the modern era at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 and has been an integral part of most peopleís diet ever since. Whether you prefer sweet or savory peanut influenced dishes, there are many to try. Peanuts are a versatile cooking ingredient. They can be roasted, mashed, boiled and baked. Plus, they are they are good for you. Peanuts pack a nutritional punch. They are high in protein, fiber and rich in monounsaturated fats. Peanuts are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate, manganese and an antioxidant. The quickest and simplest way to enjoy peanuts is roasted and out of a can. But, let's mix it up a bit. Here are a few other ways to enjoy peanuts:

Sweet Potato Peanut Stew

This is a simple way to make a hearty and healthy stew that is perfect for the cool weather. You will need:

• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 medium clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sautÈ in the onion and garlic mixture for two minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes). Add the peanut butter and whisk to thoroughly incorporate. Add the cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly. You can purÈe the soup in a food processor in batches or use an immersion blender. To serve, ladle into soup bowls and garnish with chopped peanuts.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

Serve this sauce on the side with grilled chicken or spring rolls. You can also use this sauce on noodles tossed with grilled shrimp or chicken, and garnished with basil or cilantro. You will need:

• 2 teaspoons sesame seed oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (like Sriracha)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

In a bowl, add the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, sesame oil and sweet chili sauce. Whisk to combine. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Mix to combine well. Serve in small bowls, garnished with the chopped peanuts.

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Peanuts

This is a fun appetizer to serve at your next family gathering. Feel free to play around with the spices. Peanuts are particularly tasty with curry. You will need:

• 1 cup raw, shelled and skinned peanuts
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• pinch of salt

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Toast the peanuts in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until they just start to brown and smell toasted. Once toasted, add the peanuts to a bowl with the butter, honey, spices, and mix well. Put the spice-coated peanuts onto the lined cookie sheet. Separate larger chunks if necessary with a fork. Let the peanuts cool completely.

Other ways to enjoys peanuts in food

Add peanuts to your favorite cookie recipes or use them as garnish. A handful of chopped peanuts tossed into your cookie dough or on top of your morning waffles with give a punch of flavor and extra protein. Try mixing a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter into a smoothie. This is another way to utilize the high protein content of peanuts. They are also wonderful when added to a salad made with baby Asian greens, shredded carrots and drizzled with a sweet sesame dressing. I often give my kids a quick, simple snack of graham crackers with peanut butter in between meals. However you choose to enjoy peanuts, it's a wonderful and healthy option to add to your diet. Its versatility in sweet or savory recipes make it a must have for everyone's pantry. They are inexpensive and a little goes a long way. If there is not a peanut allergy in the house, make sure to pick up some of the tasty legumes the next time you are at the grocery store.