How do I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches? Let me count the ways ...
Who knew there were so many variations on the peanut butter and banana sandwich?
Sitting at dinner tonight with some of my fellow copy editors, I found that there are several ways to make a PB and banana sandwich. An appropriate topic, I suppose, given that we are coming up on the anniversary of the death of one of the biggest fans of the artery-hardening classic.
In the Elvis version, you spread the peanut butter on one side and the mashed banana on the other. However, one of my friends on the desk insists that you need to mash the banana and PB together before spreading it for it to taste right. (It is better; I've tried it.) Others just slice the banana.
Elvis always ate his fried. Here, some of the editors said grilling is optional, while others insisted it's what makes the sandwich. Whatever your preference, I have to say the George Foreman is a great (and slightly healthier) way to grill it. (It also works great for toasted cheese, paninis, etc.)
Now, I know some people add honey to their peanut butter and bananas. Personally, I like to add a little mayonnaise. Thought I was weird until I saw it served that way at the Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville. (It's really not as gross as it sounds -- PB and Miracle Whip, without bananas, is a great combo, too!)
I've also heard rumors that Elvis enjoyed bacon on his fried favorite. I don't know if it's true, but I don't think I'll be trying it anytime soon. Even if bacon makes everything taste better.
Comments (6)
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I mash 'em together (crunchy PB only, please!) add honey and -- this is the key -- cinnamon. Once, in a horrible display of decadence, I spread on some cherry jam, too.
Posted on August 14, 2005 11:57 PM
Wow. You're pretty hardcore! :-)
Posted on August 15, 2005 11:35 AM
my sushi restaurant makes the Elvis Roll, a tempura-style roll made on tofu wrap with peanut butter, banana, and smothered in syrup. OOOOOOOH.
Posted on August 16, 2005 8:18 AM
I need the name of that restaurant, please!
Posted on August 20, 2005 5:00 PM
Um, I'm envisioning all of the experimentation that went into these recipes. mmm
Posted on August 26, 2005 2:43 PM
Hey! Peanut butter and orange-jalapeno jelly!
It's a win-nah!
Posted on August 29, 2005 2:44 PM