I grew up in a classic peanut butter and jelly household, where sandwiches were crafted on soft white or whole wheat bread, sliced into perfect quarters. Each spread had its own utensil, ensuring no mingling in the jars. Sometimes, crusts were even trimmed—everything was neat and orderly, just as peanut butter and jelly was intended to be.
When I was around ten or eleven, I found myself at my friend Emma’s house during lunchtime. We scavenged through her cabinets looking for something delicious. “I really want a PB&J,” I declared. Emma pulled out the peanut butter and jelly, but when she opened the bread box, it was empty. “We have hot dog buns,” she suggested. I recoiled in horror. Hot dog buns? “Eww, those are for hot dogs!” I exclaimed. “Jill,” she sighed, “it’s still bread, just shaped differently. I’m not saying you should eat a hot dog with your PB&J!” But I couldn’t be swayed. This was the girl who mixed her action figures with her dolls and stored her Legos in my dollhouse—something felt off about her logic. I passed on the sandwich while she savored hers, raving about its deliciousness as my stomach grumbled, awaiting dinner.
Fast forward thirty years. A few months ago, we ran out of bread for my son Ben’s daily peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Desperate, I recalled that day and offered him a PB&J on a hot dog bun. “A hot dog sandwich? Awesome!” he cheered, devouring it in no time.
Since then, I’ve primarily made his sandwiches on hot dog buns. They’re less messy, eliminating jelly drips, and they’re easier to prepare—no assembly or cutting required. Plus, it’s just way more fun than a typical PB&J! It makes me wonder what other culinary delights I missed out on by sticking so rigidly to tradition.
However, I still stand firm on my rules about playtime—mixing characters just doesn’t sit right with me.
If you’re looking for more tips on family and parenting, check out our other blog posts. For those navigating parenthood, you might find helpful insights in our post about couples’ fertility journeys. And if you’re interested in home insemination, BabyMaker is an authority on the topic. Additionally, for more information on treating infertility, visit the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at ACOG.
In summary, my journey from a strict peanut butter and jelly upbringing to embracing hot dog buns has opened my eyes to new possibilities in both food and life. Who knew that stepping out of the box could be so delightful?
Keyphrase: peanut butter and jelly
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