New Twists on PB&J Sandwiches
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been a favorite lunch and snack for many generations of kids. Moms love this age old concoction because it’s quick and easy to make. That being said, even the biggest PB&J lovers can get bored with the same bread, peanut butter and jelly lunch. What can you do when the boredom sets in at your house? Here are some peanut butter and jelly makeover ideas that are just as easy for mom to prepare and the kids will enjoy just as much.
Fruit & Peanut Butter
One way you can mix things up a bit is to substitute fresh fruit for the jelly part of a PB&J sandwich. Just a few tasty fruits that go great with peanut butter are strawberries, bananas, raisins and blueberries. The addition of fresh fruit also helps to ensure the kids are getting one of their daily fruit servings too.
Are you kids not fond of fresh fruit slices in place of their favorite flavor of jelly? Not to worry. You can find fruit spreads in a variety of flavors at your local grocer. By choosing an all natural version of your favorite fruit spread, you are reducing the amount of sugar your child gets – which is a great way to eat healthier without sacrificing the taste your kids love.
Honey & Fruit Spreads of All Types
While we’re on the subject of fruit spreads, why not try different types of jellies and jams to give your kids a bit of a change? Grape jelly is one of the most popular types of jelly, but if you take a closer look in the supermarket aisle, you’ll find tons of other fruit spread choices too. Just a few favorites on my kid’s list are strawberry, apricot and raspberry.
Honey is also a welcome and healthier change from the norm. Many stores now offer organic fruit spreads which is a great way to cut out all those unhealthy ingredients found in many jellies.
Peanut Butter Substitutes
Jelly isn’t the only thing you can change in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. With the instances of peanut allergies growing, some parents find themselves looking for alternatives to peanut butter. Here are just a few peanut butter replacement ideas:
Cashew Butter
Almond Butter
Apple Butter
Keep in mind that you’ll need to check the labels of these nut based products to be sure they don’t contain traces of peanuts or peanut oil if that is the allergy you are trying to avoid.
Alternatives to Boring Bread
Some kids don’t like bread, especially if the jelly makes it a bit soggy. Then there is also the high carbohydrate factor to be concerned with when it comes to serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. One way you can deviate from ordinary white or wheat bread in your next PB&J sandwich is to use tortillas instead.
Once you spread the tortilla with peanut butter, top with jelly and roll it up like a burrito or top with another tortilla and cut into four pieces like a quesadilla. You can also warm the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave for a warm treat.
Mixing and matching different ingredients in your child’s next peanut butter and jelly lunch or snack will help keep them from growing bored with this favorite and easy to make meal. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding ways to kick up their next peanut butter and jelly meal. Let the kids get involved in coming up with some of their own ideas too. You never know what they’ll come up with that even you might like.
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