During this time of uncertainty with no end in sight, we’re going to cook with all the ingredients we have. The normal, the random, and those forgotten impulse buys we made a month ago. This is quarantined cooking. 

Often, we come home from the grocery store and put away the peanut butter, or nut butter, to realize that we already had a full jar in our pantry. Peanut butter tends to be one of those ingredients we have one too many jars of and not enough uses for. This recipe turns any nut butter into a spicy and sweet spread that is a great base for other recipes. Roast broccoli and drizzle this on top, use it as a finishing sauce on chicken, make a quick Thai-inspired pasta, or fold some into biscuit dough for a spicy complement to fried chicken. The spicy peanut butter is also great for snacks like toast, ants on a log, or crudite. ––Justin Burke 

Spicy peanut butter. Justin/UP

Spicy Peanut Butter

Ingredients
½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper chili flakes
4 tablespoons hot water

Directions

1. Using a food processor or blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth and thick. 
2. Use immediately or store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. Will keep for two weeks.