National Peanut Butter Day 2012: Recipes, History and Other Crazy Holidays [PHOTOS]

It's the most wonderful time of the year! National Peanut Butter Day has once again arrived and is in full force.

The phrase #NationalPeanutButterDay became a trending topic on Twitter. However, how many people actually know the history of peanut butter and what National Peanut Butter Day really is?

Peanut butter dates back to 950 B.C. in South America. Peanuts were part of nutritious meals of the ancient Incas and were reportedly said to make a paste-like substance spreading it on food. Aztecs also used a similar process to mash peanuts into a pasty substance. However, it was very different than the modern peanut we find in stores today.

Many doctors, inventors and scientists have been said to be the creator of peanut butter, including George Washington Carver. However, he did not actually invent the tasty treat. He discovered and promoted of 300 uses for peanuts.

The invention of modern day peanut butter can be credited with three individuals: Dr. Ambrose Straub, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, the founding father of Kellogg brand cereals, and Marcellus Gilmore Edson.

Edson allegedly patented peanut paste in 1884 in Canada after successfully milling roasted peanuts, reported Huffington Post. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented a Process of Preparing Nut Meal in 1895, serving his patients, who visited him at his Battle Creek Sanitarium, peanut butter, according to About.com. He actively marketed his new product as a healthy protein filled alternative. Then, in 1903, Dr. Ambrose Straub of St. Louis allegedly patented the first peanut butter machine.

By 1914, many companies throughout the United States began making their own peanut butter.

But, don't forget to celebrate two other holidays today.

January 24 is also Beer Can Appreciation Day. Beer Can Appreciation Day celebrates the fateful day when the first beer can was sold, forever having a major impact on football tailgates and college campuses across the United States for generations. There is a major market for beer cans, surprisingly. If you find an old beer can, make sure you save it and get a value on it. You can make a quick buck or two.

Today is also Compliment Day. It was created in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman. Today is great opportunity to say something nice to your friends, family and coworkers.

So remember, eat some peanut butter, say something nice about your friends and then share a toast with a couple of beers. And scroll through the slideshow for some great peanut butter recipes!