Buzz
The suggestion to 'add potato chips' is such a well-known sandwich tip that it’s almost a universal truth. Which sandwich doesn’t improve with a bit of extra crunch and saltiness? Who truly enjoys a plain peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the added delight of crispy potato chips, especially the salt and vinegar variety? But imagine taking this classic advice further. What if it could unite and enhance two legendary sandwiches: the PB&J and the 'Elvis'—a sandwich typically made with peanut butter, banana, and toasted bread?
This idea to merge two iconic sandwiches came to me in a moment of necessity. I delayed making lunch and missed my chance to grab my intended meal (falafel and rice from the Target food cart) before a meeting. To make matters worse, we were out of chips, leaving my rushed PB&J replacement feeling lackluster. That’s when I noticed a bag of Trader Joe’s plantain chips in the pantry. Why not, I thought? Why not create a crunchy twist on the Elvis sandwich, which I’ve always found a bit too monotonous in texture? I’ll save the softer sandwiches for when I’m older and possibly toothless. (Which might not be too far off, given the high cost of dental care!)
I decided to pitch the idea to Claire Lower, Mytour’s sandwich expert:
Feeling inspired, I made my usual PB&J (with a 75/25 peanut butter to jelly ratio—I prefer raspberry preserves) but replaced the usual salt & vinegar or dill chips with a solid layer of plantain chips. The outcome was fantastic, blending the satisfying crunch of a PB&J with chips and the banana-like essence of the Elvis sandwich, all without the mushy texture of fresh fruit. I didn’t even toast the bread, though that might take it to another level. I’ll have to check with Claire.
