Thursday, December 07, 2006

Peanut Butter or Jelly?

A very good friend of mine (Tricia Ann) and I were discussing the best way to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and had some difficulties. She insisted that the only way to make one is with lots of peanut butter while I said that you really need more jelly. We need a little help here to come to a final conclusion.

So which do you like more of on your sandwich: Peanut Butter or Jelly?

26 comments:

  1. The solution is quite obvious-make two. One with more peanut butter, and one with more jelly. But if I can only I have one, I'll be putting more peanut butter.

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  2. Anonymous10:48 AM

    I just put on the same amount of each, a lot of jelly and a lot of peanut butter. To much peanut butter and it sticks to your mouth, to much jelly adn you can't taste the peanut butter. Get it? -Camille

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  3. Anonymous1:20 PM

    Peanut Butter- OF COURSE!

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  4. Anonymous1:30 PM

    Jelly

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  5. Anonymous2:12 PM

    I'm with Camille-I like the same amount of both.

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  6. I agree with Camille and Katie. An equal amount of both is best.

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  7. So far, I'm winning, Kaliste! Three cheers for peanut butter!

    Tricia Ann

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  8. I prefer more jelly. By the way,Jacob's favorite sandwich used to be a mayonaise and jelly sandwich with a "peanut butter surprise" in the middle!

    Trish

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  9. Well, I was asked to chime in here. Being one of so few opinions, and approaching such substantive subjects with great reserve, I will with trepidation, provide my requested analysis. After careful thought on this subject, as a general rule, I concur with those who favor a greater ratio of jelly to peanut butter. As in any culinary aesthetics, balance of palate accentuates the eloquence and enjoyment of the food. Since peanut butter is heavier in texture and stronger in flavor, a thinner spread of peanut butter makes a better sandwich. However, this is a general rule. Most people apply a fruit jelly, such as grape or strawberry, which is lighter to the palate than other kinds of jellies not normally used in making PB&J sandwiches (e.g. fig or pepper jelly). If a strong jelly, such a one of the ones aforementioned is used, then the balance should swing the other way. By the way, the only true way to make a genuine PB&J sandwich is with grape jelly, and therefore, the spread should be weighted heavier with grape jelly than with peanut butter.

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  10. Mr. Lovett,
    Based on your "analysis" I suppose that you would also argue that on a typical deli meat sandwich you would favor a mayonnaise to ham ration greater than 1.0? Please say this is not so! My stomach rebels at the thought of all of that mayonnaise squishing out the sides with each bite.
    Let us, in as civil a manner as possible, consider the key points.

    The Name
    Is not the name of sandwich "Peanut Butter and Jelly (PB&J)" an d not "Jelly and Peanut Butter (J&PB)"? This obviously implies an order of importance which brings me to my next point.

    Primaries over Secondaries
    The very name of the sandwich reveals that Peanut Butter and not Jelly is the primary ingredient. Do we not venture into perilous territory when we chose to emphasize secondary issues over those which are clearly primary?

    Nutrition
    Based solely on the nutrient value of the ingredients in question, which would you chose if you could only chose one? Are you not letting personal preference overrule your knowledge of that which is right and good?

    Ickyness
    More jelly than peanut butter is just plain icky.

    My dear brother. I beg you to reconsider your error.
    Keith

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  11. I am convinced that Mr. Bradshaw is absolutely correct. Peanut butter is first on the bread and in the name. Man is over woman, because he was created first, thus peanut butter over jelly.

    Mayonnaise is indeed a repulsive thing to defile a well-made sandwich with. Always remember that your sandwich deserves better than mayo. However, mustard enhances flavor and eating experience.

    Now, for another culinary controversy- ham or turkey? Perhaps roast beef?

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  12. Anonymous7:25 PM

    I like more jelly.

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  13. Anonymous7:26 PM

    jelly

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  14. Anonymous7:46 PM

    It is best EVEN!!!

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  15. Anonymous2:12 PM

    Jelly is best! -Evan F.

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  16. Anonymous3:13 PM

    Why does your blog get all the comments!

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  17. I'll pick up on the other culinary controversy.

    Of the three meats given roast beef is definitely the best, but I prefer corned beef.

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  18. Anonymous4:35 PM

    Peanut butter is tons better:)(your welcome Tricia Ann, sorry Kaliste!) ~Alexis

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  19. Anonymous4:47 PM

    Jelly-Harrison

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  20. Anonymous7:53 PM

    Peanut Butter! Too much jelly is ruff.

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  21. Christy brings up a very important point regarding the nature of the ingredients. The answer to this age-old question, "More Root or More Fruit?", seems very simple until you begin pontificating about the toxic nature of industrialized jellies that are made with pesticide-laden and genetically-modified fruit. These neo-fruit sludges (One can hardly call them jellies), commonly purchased by postmodern city-slickers, are devoid of flavor and nutrition. Homemade canned jelly made from homegrown or a covenantal neighbor's fruit is superior in taste and fortitude. Due to the high potency of this agrarian jelly, it is obvious that one needs MORE ROOT (PEANUT BUTTER) to counteract the intense flavor.

    Philip

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  22. Anonymous1:08 PM

    One of my dear friends here(no names) just said something very true. To much jelly gives you a headache, and you dont feel to good afterwards.

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  23. Anonymous8:54 PM

    kaliste I am for jelly too.

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  24. Anonymous2:30 PM

    Sorry Kaliste, I'm not taking sides, but peanut butter is way better.

    And it is most likely healthier too.

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  25. Do y'all grill the PB&J or not? It makes all the difference in ratio IMNSHO.

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