“Affordable, nutritious and of course, delicious, peanut butter is a staple found in most American homes,” said Leslie Wagner, executive director of Southern Peanut Growers. “While some parts of the country prefer their foods hot and spicy, others prefer savory and sweet. But no matter where you go, families love making peanuts or peanut butter a key ingredient in their favorite recipes.”

After School Peanut Butter Apple Pie by Alisha L., Midwest region

Ingredients

Prepared pie crust

Chopped peanuts (optional)

For the Filling:

7 apples, peeled cored and sliced

2/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Crumble:

3/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

Place the crust in a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges. Use dried beans to weigh down bottom. Bake crust for 10-15 minutes, or until crust is lightly browned.

Mix all the filling ingredients together and put in crust. Using hands, mix crumble ingredients until in pea-sized pieces. Top the apples with crumble. Don’t worry if it’s piled high; the apples will cook down and the pie will be evenly proportioned.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Keep the edges covered with foil until last 15 minutes. Garnish with chopped peanuts.

Midwestern Food Festivals and Events

Here are a few upcoming Midwestern food (and drink) events:

• Dig IN–A Taste of Indiana in Indianapolis on August 28-Sample local Indiana cuisine, meet the farmers and watch local chefs compete. And try Indiana wine and beer. For more info, go to http://www.digindiana.org.
• Michigan–Traverse City Cider Week, held from August 14-21, offer varieties of apple cider at the local taverns. Orchard tours are also held and you can visit the Cider and Sausage Salon at the Cathedral Barn, with all the tastings one can handle. Visit http://www.mca30.wildapricot.org for more details. On Mackinac Island, there’s a Fudge Festival from August 19-21 (13 fudge shops within 3.8 square miles!).  Bartenders will whip up chocolate drinks and vendors will hold fudge and beer tastings. http://www.mackinac island.org
• In St. Louis, Missouri, it’s the St. Louis World’s Fare, from August 19-21; local restaurants are showcased, along with the city’s history. http://www.stlworldsfare.com.
• Lincoln, Nebraska has the Capital City Ribfest, August 18-20. There’s award-winning BBQ featured from around the world (and live music), held at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. For more info, go to http://www.pinnaclebankarena.com.
• Cleveland, Ohio has the Great Lakes Burning River Fest from August 26-27; there will be music, food and beer at the Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. http://www.burningriverfest.org.

For more Midwestern regional festivals, go to http://www.midwestliving.com/events.