Let's think about the humble Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich. Much loved by kids and grownups alike, it can be eaten at breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's portable and holds up well to heat and cold. It's full of protein, not to mention it's delicious!
My version has grown up a bit. To start, I eat my PB&J on whole grain bread. I use natural peanut butter and when I'm lucky, homemade jams (pomelo marmalade in these photos).
If you've never tried natural peanut butter, I highly recommend it. You can find it at most grocers these days (the oil will be on top, just stir and refrigerate). For extra fun, crush it yourself at co-ops and natural food stores. I've never tried making it at home. Have you?
Natual peanut butter is healthier than "regular" because it contains no sugar or hydrogenated oils (trans fats). Yes, it may be a bit harder to spread. Three tips for that: 1 - Use a hearty bread (the good whole wheat stuff). It doesn't tear as easily. 2 - Let it warm to room temp. It's much more easily spread. 3 - If the butter is extremely dry, dribble in a tiny bit of olive oil (a good fat).
Other varieties of nut butters make excellent sandwich spreads, as well. Have you ever tried almond butter? Or for pure decadence, give cashew butter a try! For you nut butter fans, what are your favorite ones?
Yum! That looks SO good! Is that Dave's Killer Bread? Whatever it is, I know it's good!
ReplyDeleteMy Meatless Monday started out with a bowl of gluten-free oatmeal. Headed to quilt guild --- and I'm taking a fresh fruit salad of Fuji and Opal apples, bananas, pineapple, and blueberries. My main dish is a Jenny Craig lasagna (1 serving for me). Amazingly JC has some really yummy vegetarian foods! I might get tired of the limited choices, but what they have is yummy!
Enjoy your day!
Your menu today sounds great! Yep, that's Dave's Killer Bread. LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteAlmond butter is my staple, it's usually pretty creamy (and I don't eat peanuts). When I was working in college, this was my staple lunch (and often dinner). A bonus - it's a pretty inexpensive meal for what you get.
ReplyDeleteI love almond butter, too...and it's a great choice for those who can't do peanuts because of allergies or other sensitivities.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love PB & J sandwiches!
ReplyDeleteThey're like tea, multi-generational. Your's looks yummy with the wheat bread and homemade marmalade!
I love almond butter-natural and crunchy from Trader Joe's. Do you think that Dave's Killer Bread is down here in Bay Area? Looks so delicious- I love seeds on breads too. Your flowers help to dress up the PB&J!
ReplyDeletePB & J, yum. Be careful if you try to make your own peanut butter. Do it in something like a cuisenart, it can over power -ie ruin a blender. How do I know - one guess. Cashew butter or sesame tahini are also good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip, Marlena!
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ReplyDeleteHave you ever grilled your PB & J?
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful with the bread toasted too! Of course, it is on what the DH calls my Billion Grain Bread. Love Almond Butter too!
My latest jams to use on my PB & J sandwich are Peach Melba and one I found at a local market, Bellini, a white peach with prosecco. Divine. I do have a weakness for fancy jams, jellies, and preserves. They look like sparkly gems on my shelf!
Hubby loves his PB & J with good old Grape Jelly.
Is this too much information
on PB & J love?
Yes, I've tried and enjoyed cashew butter. This is a great idea for dressing up the classic PB&J! (And these are STUNNING photos, by the way!)
ReplyDeleteYummm! I do buy peanut butter in a jar, but one that I must mix and nothing added. Years ago I use to buy almond butter freshly ground at a natural food coop. It is delicious.
ReplyDeleteI have a few favorite nut butters that are as good as dessert- Justin's maple almond or chocolate hazelnut or Artisana's pecan butter. So good!
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