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{I am so excited to be partnering with The J.M Smucker Company on todayโs post. It is full of peanutty recipes, family fun and all things fall!!}
I am so excited for todayโs post. Itโs so fun and itโs HUGE!! Prepare for A LOT of photos.
I really donโt even know where to start. So many things to chat about today, so many pictures to shareโฆehhh!
Ok, so I may be jumping the gun a tad with todayโs fall inspired picnic, but I just cannot help myself. The leaves are really starting to change here in the mountains and the mornings are crisp. Like extra crisp. Like 30 degrees and frost CRISP. Basically what Iโm trying to say is that fall is here and I am embracing it.
My family is as well, and so is Smuckerโs, who have partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association to bring awareness to all the beautiful National Parks our country has to offer. I mean, how cool is that?!? Clearly, I was super excited to be part of this, seeing as I love hiking, I live in Colorado and my backyard is literally a national forest.
Can you say perfect or what?!?
{thatโs Kai up there}{two peas and a pod right there}{thatโs the best guy ever up there}
{thatโs Kai up there}
{two peas and a pod right there}
{thatโs the best guy ever up there}
I brought my family along on this post and we all took a HUGE family hike. We headed over to Aspen with mom, dad, Brendan, Kai, Red, Max (my cousin who is currently living with my family)โฆand of course Blake too (Creighton, Trevor and Asher were there in spirit, Trevor and Asher met us over in Crested Butte). We hiked the West Maroon Creek trail from Aspen, CO to Crested Butte, CO and made a fun weekend out it. My brother Kai, stole my camera for the entire hike, so all the gorgeous photos you see are courtesy of that guyโฆheโs kind of best.
Now the picnic and all the food you see??? That was all me!! And yes, it did take me all day to set up that table, but I kind of loved every minute of it!
Also, just a little sidenote, since we traveled a little ways to take our family hike, I actually made the picnic at home the next weekend where weย enjoyed the picnic right in our own backyardโฆ and this time, little Miss Asher got to join!
Much easier than carrying this huge spread you see on a twelve-mile hikeโฆIโll leave that for the pros!
{I promise, that is not fake}{these threeโฆ}
{I promise, that is not fake}
{these threeโฆ}
GEEK FACTS
- Total recreation visitors to the national parks in 2014: 292,800,082โฆwhoa baby.
- There have been almost 13 billion visitors to national parks since 1904โฆtoo many zeros to count.
- The most visited national park in 2014 was Great Smoky Mountains National Parkโฆgood old Smoky Mountains. ๐
- George Washington Carver, a scientist and inventor who devised over 100 uses for theย peanut, is commemorated at 2 national parks: George Washington Carver Nationalย Monument in Diamond, MO and Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Tuskegee, ALโฆcool dude.
- You can visit President Jimmy Carterโs boyhood peanut farm and learn all about peanuts at Jimmy Carter National Historic Park in Plains, GAโฆwho knew??? not me.
- Yellowstone National Park was established by Congress as the nationโsย first national park on March 1, 1872โฆitโs always cool to be the first.
National parks contain:
- At least 247 species of threatened or endangered plants and animalsโฆaww, sadโฆ lets keep um safe! ๐
- 18,000 miles of trailsโฆbetter get my hiking shoes on.
- ย The worldโs largest carnivore, the Alaskan brown bearโฆscary.
- The worldโs largest living things, Giant Sequoia treesโฆwhoa! cool.
- The highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley (just recently renamed Denali) at 20,320 feet, in Denali Nationalย Parkโฆthatโs high.
- The lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater Basin in Death Valleyย National Park, at 282โ below sea levelโฆhow low can you go?
{craziesโฆ}{RedBull gives you wings??}{clearly he is not very smartโฆ}
{craziesโฆ}
{RedBull gives you wings??}
{clearly he is not very smartโฆ}
So while my family and I had so much fun hiking through the national forest/parks, my favorite part was creating this fall harvest peanut picnic spread using Smuckerโs Natural Peanut Butter (which is made from only the best fresh roasted peanuts andย adds an unprocessed, robust peanut flavor to all my favorite recipes!!)! It was pretty easy to come up with a peanutty fall spread, actually it was hard to decide on just what to make! Originally, I had like ten recipes set out for this post, but then I rationalized with myself and figured maybe, just maybe, I didnโt need THAT much food in my picnic.
Sometimes I can get a bit carried awayโฆwhoops!
Also, Smuckerโs Natural Peanut Butter is available in five varieties (creamy, chunky, honey, reduced fat and no salt), so you know I had a REALLY hard time not wanting to use all five. So much to try, so many possible recipes combos! AHH! I am excited. Can you tell?? Sorry, you know I really love peanut butter and especially good peanut butter thatโs good for me too!
{chocolate peanut butter kisses up there}
{chocolate peanut butter kisses up there}
But letโs talk about these recipes. There are six total. Yes, six recipes in one post! I know, I know. I am overwhelmed too, but letโs just go through these nice and slow.
>>>one, Warm Peanut Cider. I know this may sound odd, but apple and peanut butter is the best snack ever, so naturally, cider with the slightest hint of peanut flavor is also the best thing ever. Trust me on thisโฆso good.
>>> two, Peanut Butter, Apple and Cheddar Croissant Sammies with Peanut Granola. Yum, yum, YUM. Thatโs honestly all I have to say about these. It doesnโt get better than peanuts on a flaky croissant with chunky peanut butter, cheddar cheese, thinly sliced apples and some crunchy homemade peanut granola. Best peanut butter sammie everโฆ no reallyโฆ best ever.
>>>three, EASY Peanut Butter Pumpkin Seed Granola. I mean, do I really need to explain this? Just try stopping at one handful, you canโt itโs addictingโฆbut itโs cool cause this is like so totally healthy โ yes.
>>>four, Thai Grape Quinoa and Peanut Salad. I adore these flavors so much. Thai and peanuts go incredibly well together and the grapes add a nice, sweet little crunch. Eat this warm or cold, either way is delicious and very healthy.
>>>five, Peanut Butter Chocolate Acorn Cookies. How fun and festive are these?!?! I just love them! Of course theyโre perfect for popping, one by one, into your mouth. So cute and also so very easy to make. You will love these for fall entertaining.
>>>six, Chocolate Peanut Butter Kisses. This. oh this recipe. itโs my favorite. itโs simple. itโs amazing. itโs a crowd pleaser. itโs perfection in a cute little chocolate cup. Plus, those kisses on topโฆthey make me smile. Honestly, this recipe will change your world. MAKE IT.
I also had lots of cheese, grapes, apples and pomegranates for picking. It was seriously the best picnic, and I have to say, I was pretty proud of my spread!! And those blankets?? Arenโt they cute?? I ordered them just for this picnic! I love setting a beautiful spread!
{peanut butter acorn cookies}
{easy peanut butter pumpkin seed granola}
{peanut butter acorn cookies}
{easy peanut butter pumpkin seed granola}
Do I have you feeling fall yet?? Are you ready? Is it picnic time?!?!?
Please say yes!
Cause below are my six recipes that I am so in love with, and I hope you will be too! Let me know if any of you have your own picnic or even if you just make a recipe! I would love to hear about it!! OK, thatโs it. Enjoy all the photos and recipes!
{peanut butter, apple and cheddar croissant sammies with peanut granola}{warm peanut cider}{thai grape and peanut quinoa salad}
{peanut butter, apple and cheddar croissant sammies with peanut granola}
{warm peanut cider}
{thai grape and peanut quinoa salad}
Peanut Butter, Apple and Cheddar Croissants Sammies with Granola.
Ingredients
- 6 slice [homemade | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-croissants-step-step-photos/] or store-bought croissants, in half
- 6 tablespoons apple butter
- 6-12 tablespoons [Smucker's Organic Natural Chunky Peanut Butter | http://www.smuckersnaturalpeanutbutter.com/?utm_source=halfbakedharvest&utm_medium=blogpost&utm_campaign=mand]
- 2 honeycrisp or pink lady apples, thinly sliced
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- peanut granola, for topping (recipe below this one)
Instructions
- Spread the bottom of each croissant with apple butter and then spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter over the butter. Add a slice of cheddar cheese and a few thinly sliced apples. Sprinkle with granola.
- Spread the remaining tablespoon of peanut butter on the top half of the croissant and place over the granola. Serve or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 day.*
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Easy Peanut Butter Pumpkin Seed Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup raw pepitas, shelled pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
- 3/4 cups dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup [Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter | http://www.smuckersnaturalpeanutbutter.com/?utm_source=halfbakedharvest&utm_medium=blogpost&utm_campaign=mand]*
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, pepitas, peanuts, cranberries and a pinch of salt.
- In a small sauce pan, melt together the coconut oil, maple syrup and peanut butter over medium-low heat until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon + vanilla. Pour the mixture over the oat mixture and toss well to evenly combine the ingredients. I normally stir for a good 3 to 5 minutes.
- Spread the granola out onto a parchment lined baking sheet with sides. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so that the granola gets evenly toasted. The last time you stir the granola, drizzle it with the 2 tablespoons honey and add the butter. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing. Store up to two weeks at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Thai Grape Quinoa and Peanut Salad.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons [Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter | http://www.smuckersnaturalpeanutbutter.com/?utm_source=halfbakedharvest&utm_medium=blogpost&utm_campaign=mand]*
- 1/3 cup sweet thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce, optional
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil + cilantro
- 1/2 cup roasted, salted peanuts, chopped
- fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sweet thai chili sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce and rice vinegar until smooth. Add the quinoa, grapes, basil + cilantro and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with peanuts and fresh mint. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Acorn Cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup [Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter | http://www.smuckersnaturalpeanutbutter.com/?utm_source=halfbakedharvest&utm_medium=blogpost&utm_campaign=mand]*
- 1 egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 24 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
- 24 milk chocolate, peanut butter or butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 305 degrees F.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the peanut butter, egg, sugar, baking soda, vanilla and salt until the dough comes together. Roll the dough into small teaspoon size balls and then flatten them slightly. Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on each cookie in a crosshatch pattern. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
- Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly puffed. Allow to cool completely before finishing.
- When ready to assemble, smear a small amount of melted chocolate onto the bottom of a kiss. Press onto the flat bottom of the cookie. Smear a little more chocolate onto the flat bottom of a chocolate chip, and press onto the rounded top of the cookie. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Set aside to dry, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Kisses.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups Smucker's Creamy Peanut Butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 24 Hershey's Kisses
Instructions
- Line 24 small muffin cups with mini cupcake liners. If you do not have a mini muffin tin you can just use a regular one.
- Add the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and microwave on 30 second intervals stirring each time until fully melted. Using the back of a small spoon, coat the inside of cupcake liners with melted chocolate. I like to coat them really well and put a little extra in the bottom, but this is up to you.
- Refrigerate until firm about 20 minutes or place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. If there are any thin spots you can add more chocolate then refrigerate again until firm.
- While the chocolate is hardening beat the peanut butter, powder sugar, butter and vanilla in a small bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Once the chocolate is hard spoon the peanut butter filling into chocolate cups. If the chocolate starts to get a little soft just place them back in the fridge as you work. Once you have filled all the cups, unwrap the chocolate kisses and place one on top of each peanut butter cup. Refrigerate until ready to serve. These taste best cold right out of the fridge! Don't forget to first remove the cupcake liners before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons [Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter | http://www.smuckersnaturalpeanutbutter.com/?utm_source=halfbakedharvest&utm_medium=blogpost&utm_campaign=mand]*
- 1 small cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Add the cider and peanut butter to a large pot and bring to a low boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Carefully pour the cider into a blender and blend for 1 minute. Add the cider back to the pot and add the cinnamon stick. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until ready to serve. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
And happy Sunday from my big and crazy fam to yours! ๐
The Easy Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Seed Granola, was a hit on our Winery Picnic with a groupโsuch an excellent accompaniment to all the cheeses and charcuterie. Thank you for the great recipe.
Hey Kym,
Wonderful!!๐ด๐ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, love to hear that it turned out well! xx
Ok, so I have my seasons reversed and am so loving this right now in June! These are all absolutely & addictively delicious! The granola was so, so good- I have been searching forever for a recipe to love and this was it! Iโm wondering if I could do this with cashews & cashew butter, or somehow implement coconut milk as well. Any suggestions?โค๏ธ I will be making these all again & again- thank you Tieghan & happy fall, I mean, happy summer to you!??
I am so glad you like this post and the granola! Thank you so much Gia! xTieghan
This clinches it. I need to visit Colorado and go hiking. STUNNING.
Also, peanut cider, HELLO.
Yes! It’s a must! Thanks Kate!
Everything about this post is stunning! You are so amazingly talented!!
I made the quinoa salad for dinner on Friday night and the fam loved it. It’s my favorite quinoa dish on your site so far! I also made the granola tonight to have for breakfast this week. Except my family ate it ALL for dinner!! So I will have to be making more! It also made the house smell delicious!
Thank you so much!! I love when the house smells of deliciousness !!
Hi Tieghan- Can I leave out the cinnamon in the peanut butter granola recipe? Is there another spice that I could substitute? I want to make this for my son, but he has to limit cinnamon. Thank you!
Hi Juliet! Yes, the cinnamon can easily be left out, no biggie! I would not add in another spice, just leave the cinnamon out. Hope you love this!