by Alex Laskey

Prep time: 1 minute Cook time: 1 minute Total time: 2 minutes

Is there any food that can take you back to the simple joy of childhood like a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich? I can still taste the excitement of running to the elementary school cafeteria and biting into that perfect combination sweet and savory that we all grew to love as children. Not only did I relish that afternoon treat, but I know that it was a much needed aid to my mother who diligently packed my lunch every morning. How could it be that such a simple meal could be so perfect? Only four ingredients required: Bread, peanut butter, jelly, and of course, love.

Nowadays we can only hope to have this simplicity in our lives, if just for a moment. Amongst the ever growing stress and confusion of adulthood, pausing for a manageable PB&J can sometimes be the only thing keeping you from sobbing in your studio apartment, asking god what you did to deserve this life.

Fresh strawberries! Creamy peanut butter. Soft but hearty bread. Tell me you don’t read those words and don’t feel the desire to feast on a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now ask yourself, when’s the last time you listened to that desire and had one? If you’re anything like me, it had been years! Years since I reconnected with something that used to bring me so much delight. I was too busy struggling up the corporate ladder at a job I hated. Fueled by a desire to finally get just an ounce of respect, I woke up everyday with the sole mission of answering the questions “does my existence mean anything? Does anyone even see me????”. While I can’t say that I ever got an answer to those questions, I can say that this peanut butter and jelly sandwich is nearly guaranteed to become a stable piece in your gourmet repertoire.

And honestly who couldn’t use a little more stability, I know I do! 6 months ago I quit my job to pursue this full time cooking blog, and boy has it been a challenge hahahahaha! It seems like the public hasn’t quite come around to my blog as much as I had hoped; why do you think that is, reader? Do I need better recipes? Should I use a different font? Am I just a fundamentally unlovable person? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

Anyway this sandwich has been a life saver! On top of it being such an appetizing entree, it’s quite the cost efficient meal for those on a budget like me! Depending on how much you use, you can sometimes go up to a whole week, several meals a day, on the same jars. Talk about a #lifehack am I right? 

Eating a peanut butter and jelly only diet really simplifies your shopping as well. In this modern era, our minds are already crowded enough these days with thoughts like “what am I even doing?” “did I make the biggest mistake of my life by quitting my job?” “what sort of health complications are going to come up from eating exclusively peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?” The last thing you need to be thinking about is your grocery list, and that’s where this recipe can be your savior. Don’t even worry about which brands to get, just get the cheapest ones you can find. Actually, if any brands would like to sponsor this blog, I would be happy to recommend them. Literally any brand. Like not just for food, if ANY company wants to send me money, I will change this blog to whatever you want. Please. I don’t know what else to do……….

1.) Put peanut butter on bread
2.) Put jelly on other bread
3.) Put bread together.