by Ina Winslow

Created on: July 26, 2007

When I want a satisfying, chocolatey snack that will last a long time and won't make me feel guilty for overindulging in "junk" food, I reach for a pack of peanut M&Ms.

Both plain and peanut M&Ms can be enjoyed in two ways, by quickly chewing them or by letting them dissolve slowly in one's mouth. But the peanut variety provides added enjoyment in the ways the peanut and chocolate flavors combine as the M&Ms are eaten.

When peanut M&Ms are chewed quickly, smooth bits of chocolate melt over chewy morsels of peanut for a delightful combination of textures that becomes an added treat. Compared to the smaller, plain M&Ms, peanut M&Ms are just the right size for holding in one's mouth to let the candy coating and chocolate dissolve slowly to reveal a chewy, softened peanut. Each candy is a little peanut prize inside a chocolate wrapper!

Because the peanut candies are larger than the plain M&Ms, they also last longer.

All of these qualities make peanut M&Ms an ideal snack when I'm working on a project that requires close concentration, creativity or problem solving. It's satisfying to mull over a challenging task while sucking on a peanut M&M. They are literally food for thought. When I've found a solution to a problem or decided upon the best way of tackling a new project, I will often chew up the last few candies in the bag quickly, to enjoy the rocky-road texture and taste sensation as a little reward. I am not eating any peanut M&Ms as I write this article, but analyzing why I enjoy them has provoked a craving!

The nutritional content of peanuts makes them a healthful snack. Peanuts are a good source of protein, and they are rich in monounsaturated fats, which medical research has shown is beneficial to heart health. Peanuts also contain vitamins and minerals including vitamin E, niacin, folate, potassium, and magnesium. Research also shows that peanuts contain antioxidants that protect against cancer. (Source: http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&d bid=101#healthbenefits.)

I enjoy knowing that when I eat peanut M&Ms I am having a nutritious peanut snack and enjoying a little taste of chocolate without overindulging. And the single-serving bag that is sold in vending machines is just the right size for a snack that will get me through a workday afternoon but not spoil my appetite for dinner.

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