Boiled Peanuts

I need to ask you an important question...

Are you ready for it?

Have you ever had a *boiled* peanut?

If you just answered "YES", then you are probably from the South, have friends or family in the South, or you were brave enough to try one while you were visiting the....South.

For 100 points (brownie points of course) can anyone tell me the keyword in that last sentence?

Ding - ding - ding!

South.  Now we aren't talking just any old place below the Mason-Dixon line.  We are talking the Deep South, as in the Carolina's and below.

If you answered "NO", please keep reading.  And then do your best to either a) get a hold of some raw peanuts so that you can make these yourself OR b) immediately transport yourself to any of the lovely states mentioned above, find someone with a ridiculously southern drawl, and ask them for some "bolled" peanuts.  (If you say "bolled" in a Southern accent it all makes sense.)

I was first introduced to Boiled Peanuts by Kaston's family several summers ago.  They were all visiting from Florida for Kaston's grandparents 50th wedding anniversary and before I knew it I was trying boiled peanuts and collard greens for the very first time. 

And that's when the love affair began.  True Southern dishes being washed down by a big glass of *real* sweet tea?  Goodness gracious.

After they left, Kaston's mom fed our cravings with her own boiled peanuts.  Thank the lawd.  And there might have been several stops at a roadside stand while visiting North Carolina to feed the cravings even more.  You can read about that {here} if you'd like.

And now...finally...I have made my own boiled peanuts. 

Right before my mom arrived in Boston, I made a frantic realization that she was in Florida and could bring me a bag of raw peanuts.  Perfect timing.

Now, I keep referencing "raw" peanuts.  And that's because raw or green peanuts are not the same as just any old peanut that you can find around the country.  These things are hard to find if you aren't in the sunny states of the South.  It's a little frustrating, but it makes these elusive little treats that much better when you actually do get a hold of them.

Are you ready to hear how easy they are to make?

Makes: 1 big ol' crockpot full   Prep Time: 2 minutes   Cook Time: All day  Total Time: 1 day

{Print Me}

Ingredients:

• 1 pound raw or green peanuts
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup salt
• 4 cups water (or enough to cover peanuts)
• 2-4 tablespoons shrimp boil or old bay seasoning (add more/less to taste)

Directions:

1. Thoroughly rinse peanuts in water. 
2. Put peanuts, water, salt, and seasoning in a large crockpot.  Turn on low and leave for the remainder of the day.
3. Drain, eat, enjoy.
4. And don't forget to wash down with a big glass of sweet tea.
5. Store remaining peanuts in the refrigerator, reheating to eat within the next couple of days.