The Hidden Gem

Taken and adapted from Kathy's Article in 2017, Two Babies And A Peanut Butter Machine

I found the peanut butter machine extraordinary from day one working in the shop.  I would stand mesmerised watching the butter gently oozing from this Willy Wonka type mill.  A wondrous machine, I thought.  Radiating an alchemy and transforming this simple food into something quite magical.

I was known to brim with enthusiasm to customers; talking about how we have this magical machine that actually makes peanut butter: “We just put nuts in and peanut butter comes out!  Nothing else – no oil, salt, sugar.  Nothing. Just air-roasted peanuts and nothing else!”

Most would smile knowingly. Almost all knew and had a jar or two already tucked in their basket. I wasn't actually a peanut butter lover and at first resisted the temptation to try it. But with every conversation I had with a customer and as each jar sold, curiosity finally got the better of me and that was that.. boom!  I’m a convert.  This rich, fresh, creamy, nutty, buttery, goodness is the hidden gem in The Hopsack’s cave of goodies.

But where did the magic start?

Well, the story began (over) 26 years ago, with Erica and Jimmy. They wanted to produce freshly-made peanut butter for the locals. So they brought over a machine from Australia . Some time later, Erica fondly recalls the scene; herself, Jimmy, two babies and a peanut butter machine – this romantic space – The Hopsack.

‘What you see is what you get’ is still perfectly embossed on the front of this antique machine and it continues to churn out our beloved, nutritious peanut butter today.  It’s hard to believe that in all those years – nothing has been added and nothing has been taken away.

A source of  monounsaturated fat, protein, tryptophan, vitamin E, niacin, folate, copper, manganese and antioxidants it is 100% my favourite healthy treat. Whether spread over a slice of toasted rye bread or sandwiched between two slices of apple, nothing offers such a comforting and warm feeling.

Please come in to The Hopsack to see our 'what you see is what you get' peanut grinder still ticking away and try our freshly ground, snap air-roasted peanut butter where there is nothing added!.. no, seriously.

The Hopsack recommends this recipe for an African-style quinoa stew (using our peanut butter) by The Hopsack's former Head Chef, Nicky Halliday.