So, if your allergic to peanuts...or think you could be...don't risk even going near them. You can substitute almonds or any nut for any of recipes below. For cookies...you'll have to make your own 'nut butter.

YUMMY...PEANUTTY RECIPES CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER

Put 2 cups of peanuts in a blender and blend until smooth.

For added texture and/or flavoring add one or more of following:

2 Tblsp honey

4 tsp sugar

2 tsp pure vanilla extract - or any other extract you like.

1/4 c mini chocolate chips

1/4 c rice cereal

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS...USE YOUR IMAGINATION!

CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER 3 c. salted peanuts2 Tblsp. butter Measure 1/2 peanuts and put aside. Empty remaining peanuts into blender container. Cover and blend on low speed until peanuts are chopped. Add butter, cover and blend on low speed 15 seconds. Turn off blender and scrape down sides with rubber spatula. Cover and blend on low speed 5 seconds.

Repeat this process 3 or 4 times until peanut butter starts to get smooth. Cover and blend on highest speed 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup peanuts, cover and blend on medium speed for 3 - 5 seconds. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

MAMA'S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1/2 c. peanut butter 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. light brown sugar 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 c. all purpose flour 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Mix peanut butter and butter in large mixing bowl until smooth. Then gradually add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon batter onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten cookies with a criss cross fork print. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden.

13. Serving Italian food? Softly play Italian music in background.

14. Invest in several sets of dishes, as many as your budget will allow. Match "mood" of your meal you're serving with "mood" of dishes you'll be serving it on. For example, if you're serving seafood, either a "Lighthouse" dish pattern, or blue dishes would be perfect. Asian food is great on black or floral dishes. Hamburgers? Red, white and blue!

15. When making grilled cheese sandwiches, use a thin layer of cream cheese alongside your typical slice of cheddar. Serve with a knock-out salad or your favorite soup.

16. Set aside a Saturday for Candy making. Try out fudge, taffy and even molded candies. If you have someone in kitchen with you, it's even funner. If not, at least you don't have to share your spoils!

17. Make a tradition out of trying a new, challenging bread recipe on first Sunday of every month (or any day of your choice, of course!) Start out with basic loaf, then move on to Sourdough, Wheat, Irish Bread, French Bread, Twisted Loaves, etc.

18. Place sprigs of parsley on special dishes. Your family will appreciate extra-special thought and it looks really pretty!

19. Buy thick "Texas Toast" for making French Toast. Prior to dipping into egg bath, cut a slit in each of bread's corners, fill each with 1 Tablespoon of softened cream cheese. Prepare as you normally would. Serve with syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh, plump strawberries. Delicious!!!

20. When serving Refried Beans, warm a small amount of Sour Cream until it has consistency of whipping cream. Top each serving of beans with a teaspoon of sour cream and top with chives or diced green onions.

Remember: Cooking is an art, so get creative and have fun with it!