5 awesome things to do with half a jar of peanut butter

 By 
Sarah Spigelman Richter
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It's just sitting there taking up room in your fridge. No, not the kale you're trying to like. That half-eaten jar of peanut butter.

But if you're sick of sandwiches (and dipping dip dark chocolate straight into the jar elicits strong feelings of guilt), what can you do with that half-jar of PB?

As it turns out, plenty.

1. Make a spicy dish less spicy

This is an old technique that is supposed to work if you've made your tacos, chili or soup too spicy. Just make sure your peanut butter taste blends with the taste of the rest of the dish.

2. Super fast, Asian-inspired noodle dish

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Peanuts are a staple in many Asian cuisines. Peanut butter offers an easy way to make a savory, cheap and vegan meal. Just add garlic, soy, scallions, a little oil and chiles to your peanut butter, and bada-boom. Throw in some veggies for extra heft and it's perfect for a solo lunch or a group dinner.

3. Three-ingredient cookies

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Who knew you were so close to homemade cookie perfection? Cher Horowitz recommends having something baking in the oven when you invite special someone, and it doesn't get much easier than this.

4. Chili or mole

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Peanut butter is a classic ingredient in many chili recipes. Give it a try and prepare to have your mind blown. Feel free to put it in mole too, as many recipes use either peanut butter or tahini.

5. African chicken peanut stew

A photo posted by Michelle Zigelman (@charliezig) on Jan 21, 2015 at 6:38pm PST

Peanut stew is a savory dish popular in West Africa. This recipe combines familiar ingredients in a mouthwatering way that will have you wondering why you wasted so much time on spreading peanut butter on apples.

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