Back in the Day...PB&J

Since spending time with my mom a few weeks ago, I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic. I don’t know why, but I think we all have those moments at some point. I think having this feeling is very healthy and is good for the soul. We spend the majority of our time being “grown ups” and taking a step back into childhood is a great way to escape our busy adult lives.

Let’s go back, shall we? One of my favorite childhood memories was having a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich for lunch or better known as “PB&J”. I had been craving this sandwich for the past three weeks and finally went to the store to buy the ingredients. The traditional PB&J is made with grape jelly and smooth peanut butter on white bread…with a glass of milk. When I was younger, I used strawberry preserves with peanut butter. Crust on, no milk…didn’t like the stuff and now I can’t drink it! The funny thing is, I thought that this variation was rare and exclusive to my household. Silly me, after researching and talking to other people, I found that I was not the only one…haha. I also used to like the peanut butter/grape jelly combo. Remember, it came in the jar together and it looked like brown and purple stripes?…yum.

One burning question I had about the PB&J: “Where exactly did the PB&J originate?” No one really knows when or where this sandwich came from. Bread and jelly have been around for a very long time, but peanut butter was not invented until 1890. It was a hit at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, and during the 1920’s and 1930’s, commercial brands of peanut butter such as Peter Pan and Skippy were introduced. Pre-sliced bread became common around the same time. But there’s no mention of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before the 1940’s. Food historians know that both peanut butter and jelly were rationed out to American GI’s in World War II. Some speculate that they may have added the jelly to the peanut butter to make it easier to eat. Back at home, meat and butter were scarce and expensive during that time which is probably why the duo became popular. Peanut butter was a cheap, readily available source of protein. The sandwich is popular with children because of that salty-sweet flavor, and parents like it because it is a fast, simple and inexpensive lunch to make.

Another burning question I had about the PB&J: What is the difference between jelly, jam, and preserves? I know you’ve been wondering too..so here is the answer: JELLY is made from fruit juice, which is why it is clear and firm enough to hold its shape when turned out of its container.
JAM is made from a blend of crushed pieces of fruit and fruit puree. PRESERVES contain whole or large pieces of fruit, making them thicker and more fruit-filled than jams or jellies.

So as an adult and being health conscious (most of the time), here is my version: strawberry preserves, organic peanut butter and whole grain bread. Yeah, I know that sounds kind of boring but I have to cut the calories where I can! It is actually pretty good, you would be surprised…trust me. While I am on the healthy note, there are some nutritional benefits to a PB&J. It is a high energy food with a lot of protein but it also has some not so good benefits; the peanut butter is high in calories and the jelly or jam has a lot of sugar. But you know what?...Who cares?! It’s just a sandwich…besides, this isn’t something I eat everyday and you shouldn’t deprive yourself for enjoying a little taste of childhood. If you have one and really feel guilty, go to the gym, burn off about 300 calories and call it even. ;-)

Peace.
lb

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PB&J Recipes

Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
Courtesy of allrecipes.com

{I’m not too sure about this one, but it got 5 stars on allrecipes.com…so it must be good.}

Ingredients:
2 tsp. butter
2 slices white bread {or wheat for the healthy folks}
1 tsp. peanut butter
2 tsps. Any flavor fruit jelly/jam or preserves

Directions:
-Heat griddle or skillet to 350 degrees.

-Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread peanut butter on unbuttered side on one slice of bread, and jelly on the other. Place one slice, buttered side down on the griddle. Top with other slice, so that peanut butter and jelly are in the middle. Cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown, and heated through.

-To add a Monte Cristo spin, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, and enjoy.
-After that, hit the gym!

Traditional Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Ingredients:
White Bread (wonder white, or wheat)
Peanut Butter
Grape Jelly

Directions:
I think you can take it from here ;)