Creative Twists on Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
The standard peanut butter and jelly sandwich has been a mainstay of kids’ lunches for decades, but you can also add your own creative twists to this meal. Creamy peanut butter and grape jelly are slathered on slices of white bread. You might think that the only variation is to slice it in triangles or rectangles, but there are many ways you can spruce up this classic.
First, try different breads. Go for healthier whole grain breads, bagels, English muffins or cinnamon-raisin bread. Make miniature sandwiches spread on crackers. Different breads can add different textures and offer added nutrients over the standard white bread.
Adding something sweet is part of the standard. But try jams other than the everyday grape jelly. Go for strawberry or raspberry preserves. Abandon all pretensions of healthiness and go for Marshmallow Fluff instead of jelly. Try slices of fruit, especially bananas, raisins, strawberries or apples. Chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella brings another nutty taste into the mix. And peanut butter and honey (especially with the bananas) is always a sticky favorite.
Soft and chewy, the standard peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost sticks to the roof of your mouth. Try adding texture to make it crunchy. Go for all-natural crunchy peanut butter because it has no added sugar. A peanut butter and pretzel sandwich is a hit with kids. Put slices of crisp bacon in a peanut butter sandwich; add bananas and grill it and you’ve got one of Elvis Presley’s favorite snacks.
Nuts other than peanut butter are now available in a smooth spread. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and macadamias can all be found as smooth nut butters. Spread more than one on for a uniquely nutty flavor. Or stay with the peanuts and explore their other culinary uses. Peanuts are an element of Thai cooking. Mix curry powder into your peanut butter and pair it with slices of grilled chicken and shredded carrots for an exotic variation on the old standard.
Try grilling your peanut butter and jelly sandwich (you don’t need to go as far as Elvis and add the bacon for this one). Heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Try sprinkling some cinnamon in for an extra kick. Make the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and lightly spread butter on the outside of the bread. Grill for four minutes on each side. The results will be gooey and delicious.
