Pantry staples never tasted so good ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
MARCH 2026 It's March my friends! The month where we turn a corner into a new season. I know that there will still be snow on the ground where I live at least a few more weeks, but I still find the energy in this moment exciting, as small signs of Spring begin to appear. The light is returning, and I even heard birds chirping yesterday!
We're not quite in asparagus-and-sprouts season yet - we're still opening cupboards, reaching for jars, leaning on the quiet resilience of pantry staples. Peanuts are one of those unsung heroes. Earthy, satisfying, protein-rich, and endlessly versatile, they remind us that nourishment doesn't have to be fancy to be profound. In these final weeks of winter, when fresh abundance feels just out of reach, the humble peanut offers grounding sustenance - steady energy, deep flavour, and comfort in its simplest form.
Like so many foods, peanuts sit at the intersection of nourishment and nuance. For those with allergies, strict avoidance is essential. For the rest of us, choosing high-quality sources and storing them well allows us to enjoy this affordable, protein-rich, heart-healthy staple with confidence. I look forward to answering some of the common questions I get about peanuts in this month's newsletter, how to find the healthiest choices, plus sharing a delicious recipe that I know will see you through the rest of winter weather ;)
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These bars were inspired by a dessert that is made by the chefs at our retreat in Mexico, that our guests always go wild for. Popped amaranth candies are a popular Mexican treat called algerías, meaning "joy". Their origins date back to the 16th century, and are still made today.
Alegrías have become the most popular way of consuming amaranth in Mexico. They are prepared by puffing the seeds in a hot pan without oil - which you will practice too! The popped amaranth is mixed with honey or sugar syrup and sometimes peanuts, seeds, or chopped dried fruits. For my version, I am using peanut butter and chocolate, with just a hint of spice. The chilies are optional, but they really add an unexpected layer of flavour!
Popping amaranth is very easy. The two most important things to remember are getting your pan up to temperature first, and working in batches - about a tablespoon at a time - to avoid crowding. When the temperature is right, the amaranth will pop right away and will only take about 20 seconds. | | INGREDIENTS 6 Tbsp. / 100g amaranth
1 Tbsp. expeller-pressed coconut oil
generous pinch chilies flakes, to taste
80g dark chocolate (75% cacao solids or higher)
1/4 cup / 60ml creamy unsweetened peanut butter, preferably organic
1 Tbsp. raw honey
1 generous pinch flaky salt, to taste
1/2 tsp, vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high until hot. Working one tablespoon at a time, add the amaranth to the pan, cover with a lid, and let pop until all the seeds have opened - about 20 seconds per batch. Transfer each batch to a large bowl and repeat until you've popped all of the amaranth. Set aside.
3. Make a double boiler over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and chilies, allow to melt and stir. Roughly chop the chocolate and add it to the bowl, stirring occasionally until fully melted. 4. Stir in the peanut butter, honey, salt and vanilla.
5. Pour this mixture over the popped amaranth and stir thoroughly to combine. Press this mixture into the prepared loaf pan, then place in the fridge or freezer to firm up.
6. Once fully cool, remove from the pan and cut into eight equal portions (or more!). Say thank you and enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks. | | | | |
Why Are Peanuts So Allergenic? | | Peanuts are technically legumes, not nuts - and their allergenicity is largely due to specific storage proteins (such as Ara h1, Ara h2, and Ara h3) that are highly stable and resistant to heat and digestion. Because these proteins aren't easily broken down in the gut, they're more likely to be recognized by the immune system in susceptible individuals.
Several factors may contribute to rising peanut allergies: - Early skin exposure vs. oral tolerance (especially in infants with eczema)
- Altered gut microbiome
- Ultra-processed peanut products
- Roasting methods, which can increase allergenicity compared to boiling
It's important to emphasize that peanut allergies are serious and potentially life-threatening for those affected. However, for individuals without a diagnosed allergy, peanuts can be a nutrient-dense food. | | What About Mold and Aflatoxins? | | Peanuts grow underground, which makes them more susceptible to certain molds, particularly Aspergillus flavus, which can produce compounds called aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that, in high or chronic exposures, are associated with liver toxicity and increased cancer risk.
Here's the reassuring part:
In countries like Canada and the U.S., peanuts are strictly regulated and routinely tested for aflatoxins. The vast majority of commercially available peanuts fall well below safety thresholds.
Still, quality matters.
How to Choose the Healthiest Peanuts & Peanut Products - Buy fresh avoid rancid-smelling nuts or dusty-looking bins.
- Choose reputable brands that test for aflatoxins.
- Opt for organic when possible (while organic doesn't eliminate mold risk, it avoids synthetic pesticide residues).
- Store properly airtight containers in cool, dark places; refrigerate or freeze for long-term storage.
- Choose natural peanut butter just peanuts (and maybe salt). Avoid added oils and sugars.
- Consider Valencia peanuts often touted as lower risk for aflatoxin contamination because they're typically grown in drier climates and used in smaller-scale production (though all peanuts sold commercially are tested).
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This felt like appropriate timing to share my favourite peanut butter brand, Mara Natha (not sponsored at all, just love). It's the most peanut-y PB you'll ever taste! Freshly-roasted vibes, and the perfect amount of salt. I first discovered it years ago while visiting some friends in the US, and was delighted to see it in stores when we moved to Canada. They make several varieties, but look for the organic version with just two ingredients (peanuts + salt). Beware of any brand's no-stir varieties since they often include added fats for emulsification (as well as sugars). This brand is on the safe-list for mold and aflatoxins. I was bummed they switched from glass jars to plastic - the only downside! | | | | Dr. Anna Lembke is a Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. A prominent expert in addiction, she authored the best-seller Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. This interview with her on Diary of a CEO podcast had my riveted…and also very worried for myself! Listening me realize that I had serious phone addiction, as well as other habits in my life that were being driven by cheap dopamine hits - basically rewards without any effort involved. Since learning more, I've made significant changes to my days, and shared my own reflections and strategies in a lecture on Grow, my membership site. | | | | I'm sharing this extremely rousing indoor game that was gifted to my family last year, because it continues to entertain us through long winter nights. As much as I love a quiet puzzle or board game, my boys need ACTION, and this sure delivers. The premise is very simple: shoot the ball into the opposite player's goal, but players use magnetic handles under the board to control their playing pieces on top of the board, which means you can't ever see where your opponent's hands are, making it impossible to predict where the ball will go! Designed in Denmark (of course), it's the table-top version of air hockey, but needs no electricity. We have the two-person game, but the four-person version sure would be a rowdy blast! The average, 6-point game lasts about 10 minutes, and it's recommended for ages 8 and up. | | | | | | |
As winter slowly loosens its grip, may these simple peanut-powered recipes keep you nourished, grounded, and well-fed. Here's to steady energy now — and the fresh abundance of spring just around the corner. With love and gratitude,
Sarah B | | | No longer want to receive these emails? Unsubscribe. Abundance Unlimited Media James St E. Cobourg, Ontario K9A 1H3 | | | | |
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