Easy. Plant-based. Delicious. These are three words you are probably going to hear mentioned many times on this blog. Why? Because that’s what Shane & Simple is all about. The very first recipe I’m going to show you is just that and it’s amazing: A Grilled Peanut Butter Banana Jelly Sandwich!
Hey everybody! I’m Shane and this is my first official post as a wannabe food blogger. Why a food blog? Thanks for asking. Grab a chair, sit down and I’ll tell you.
After my transformation from fat ass to sexy beast in 2013 because of a plant-based diet, my friends and family kept asking, “What are you doing?” I shared the tragic news I had watched the film Forks Over Knives and would no longer be eating anything with a face. No meat, no dairy, and no processed foods. Although they were very happy for me, they, like many others, lived under the impression eating “heathy” or “plant-based” was difficult, tasteless, and reserved for the well healed elite.
So after years of talking, I thought I’d just show them. That’s why Shane & Simple.
The Grilled Peanut Butter Banana & Jelly Sandwich
OK, enough about me let’s talk about this amazing little creation.
First of all, I’m nostalgic. I love remembering the happiness of a former place, time, or situation. It’s therapeutic in some ways, therefore, when I cook I want others to feel what I feel. It may be a little naive to think this way, and it probably is, but it’s the simple things, like food, that jog memories and evoke feelings of the past.
I was ten years old the first time I had a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich and still remember it like it was yesterday. My mother called me to the table because she had a “surprise” for me. I watched as she stood in front of an old yellow gas stove, preparing what I thought was a grilled cheese. Yet, what she put on my plate was nothing short of amazing. My favorite, PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY! And it was GRILLED! Amazing! I have never forgotten that moment.
My mother passed away in 2000 and I still miss her just as much as I did when she left. And, though it may sound silly, I feel like my take on her sandwich is one of the many ways I still remember her, honor her, and share how much she meant to me with others.
I hope you see why I’m excited to share my own version of this sandwich with you. Yes, it’s because this recipe is easy, plant-based, and delicious. But, most of all and most importantly, it’s because the inspiration came from a mother’s selfless desire to love her children well, even in the little things…like peanut butter and jelly. I hope this not only feeds your stomach, but your soul as well. Nostalgia.
Peace + Feast,
shane
Grilled Peanut Butter Banana & Jelly Sandwich
- Prep Time: 5 mins.
- Cook Time: 5 mins.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 Sandwich 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
The grilled peanut butter banana & jelly sandwich. Perfect for a snack, breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert. What more could you want?
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp. favorite fruit spread (no sugar added)
- 1 ripe banana
Instructions
- Preheat nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread; cover one side with jelly and top with sliced bananas.
- Put the bread together and place in a heated non-stick pan.
- Apply a little bit of pressure with a spatula and cook for about a minute; flip and continue cooking by applying a little pressure for another minute. Flip and flop until you are satisfied with the way it looks.
- Remove from heat and eat!
Keywords: vegan, sandwich
The story you shared about your mom brought tears to my eyes. Nothing like a mother’s love in preparing food for their children. I made this pb&j today with your strawberry chia jam! OMG now I will pass this down to my children., Thanks for keeping it real.
★★★★
Thank you, Diane. Blessings to you and your family.
Great recipe! What are your favorite whole grain breads, buns, tortillas, etc.? Do you use a certain brand? Thanks so much for all you do to make WFPB delicious and easy!
Hi, Claudia! Thanks so much for your kind words. Honestly, I don’t use a particular brand all the time. But, I am a fan of Dave’s Killer Bread and Trader Joe’s sprouted grain brands. I usually just read the labels and use what I feel is compliant:)
Nice.
★★★★★
Feeling silly that I’m asking, but …
What did put in the pan to grill so it wouldn’t stick?
Nothing. I preheat a nonstick skillet on medium and let the pan completely heat up before I use it.
Easy and good!
★★★★★
Hi Shane,
Would you mind sharing your favorite brand of fruit spread?
Thank you,
Becky
Sure thing, Becky! I love these Polaner Fruit Spreads. They’re sweetened with fruit juice and have no corn syrup. We don’t consume a ton of this, but it is a better alternative for the kids and snacks. And, Wal-Mart carries them and they’re relatively cheap too, so that’s good:) Hope this helps! I’ve attached a link so you can check them out.
https://shaneandsimple.com/fruit-spread