Art Ops #4 (2016)
Written by Shaun Simon
Artwork by Michael Allred
Inks by Matt Brundage, Colors by Laura Allred
Chef’s Note: Happy National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!
Chef’s Note: Dear Mr. The Body, You acknowledge the fundamental awesomeness that is a PB&J, but then trot out “infantile choice of sustenance”? I double-dog dare you to say that to a WWII veteran. In closing, no one likes a food bully. Yours truly, Chef.
Peanut butter and jelly were on the U.S. Military ration menus in World War II. Peanut butter was a high-protein, shelf-stable ingredient and easily portable on long marches. Grapelade had already accompanied soldiers in the first world war and added a sweetness to the sandwich. With pre-sliced bread so easy to use, the natural inclination was to combine these three items, and before long the good ol’ PB&J was a part of the American soldier’s life.
Chef’s Note: I’ve never understood the Yin/Yang metaphor for PB&J sammiches. Peanut butter and grape jelly aren’t metaphysical, or even mundane, opposites in any meaningful way. How is a peanut the opposite of a grape? Is nut butter the opposite of fruit jelly? Furthermore, a PB&J isn’t a duality – it’s a trinity. Without the bread, what would it be? A big mess in your lap. Just like that metaphor.
Chef’s Note: And what of those* who prefer jam in their PB&J? Where does that figure in, PB&J Dualists? Checkmate!
Never liked jelly, myself. I enjoy peanut butter plain, peanut butter and honey, peanut butter and jalapeños, peanut butter and spinach leaves, and even peanut butter and Marmite. But you can keep the jellies and jams, thank you very much.
It is true – peanut butter all by itself is quite delicious. I’m going to have to try some peanut butter and jalapeños. That sounds amazing.
When I was young my favorite sandwich was peanut butter, dill pickles, and colby cheddar. Chacun à son goût!
It’s not that they are opposites, but they are different yet complimentary. Salty and savory, and sweet and fruity, they play well off each other. Like putting pineapple with ham, or apples or raisins in oatmeal.