Peanut butter has certainly received a bad rap in the news as of late, but it is time for that legume to regain its popularity, and what better time than on National Peanut Butter Lover's Day! I am celebrating today's festivities in a few ways. For starters, I will be whipping up a batch of Peanut Butter Cinnamon Popcorn. This should keep me going while I work on a peanut butter packed recipe for an upcoming cookbook, and on a second peanut butter sandwich-themed recipe for Peanut Butter Boy's 5th exhibition contest (details below). I thought you might be interested in his contest as well as some other current foodie blog contests and giveaways, so I have included a mini-round-up below. But, stay tuned, because I have a VERY AWESOME GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT TOMORROW! If you like variety, snacks, and healthy sweet treats, then this giveaway will be for you. But in the mean time, check these ones out (sorted by entry deadline):

February “Favorite Things” Giveaway (goes ‘til March!)
Hosted by: The Adventures of Kitchen Girl
Win: Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking
Details: Just leave a comment on the giveaway post, proclaiming why you must have this book.
Deadline: March 3, 2009

Barney Butter Giveaway
Hosted by: Lucky Taste Buds
Win: On the Go Barney Butter (almond butter, not peanut butter, but still worth a celebration)
Details: Just leave a comment!
Deadline: March 4, 2009

3rd Strawberry Shortstuff Bar Giveaway
Hosted by: Strawberry Shortstuff
Win: 10 The Simply Bars (high in protein!)
Details: Just leave a comment noting what keeps you motivated to exercise or eat right.
Deadline: March 4, 2009

Flax Your Baking Muscles
Hosted by: The Veggie Queen
Win: A year’s supply of flaxseeds from FlaxUSA
Details: Bake up an original recipe using flaxseeds in there somewhere.
Deadline: March 11, 2009

The Great Peanut Butter Exhibition #5 - Sandwich 
From: Peanut Butter Boy
Win: The Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook
Details: Create a sandwich recipe using a nut butter to enter (the term sandwich is loosely defined).
Deadline: March 15, 2009

Jocolaty Goodness 
Hosted by: Chocolate Covered Vegan (who else?)
Win: A Case of Jocolat Bars from Larabar
Details: Mention the giveaway on your blog (yeah, I snuck this one in) and leave a comment. Major bonus points for trialing a CCV recipe.
Deadline: April 1, 2009