The PB&P

It's the sandwich the New York Times called an "unacknowledged American classic." It's the sandwich the best radio program ever, NPR's Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me, called "surprisingly not bad." It's the sandwich of my youth: the peanut butter and pickle sandwich.

As it is Halloween, I sense, dear reader, that you may suspect I am simply trying to scare you, but no. I assure you, this sandwich is only scary in theory. In reality, it is delicious.

I have long argued for the PB&P. "Relish is just like cucumber jam!" I would yell to disgusted cries. Cucumbers, after all, are technically fruits. But aside from one friend I converted in childhood, I have never found peanut butter and pickle comrades, just a substantial amount of derision.

Imagine, therefore, my glee, when last week there was an extended homage to what was for several years my lunch of choice in the food section of the New York Times. Imagine my euphoria when the NPR show I actively obsess over used its Sandwich Monday blog to sample my sweet and savory cult sandwich. With this semi-supportive publicity to bolster my own awkward eating habits, I felt it time to share with you, dear reader, this mealtime possibility. You may scoff as others have, but I will eat on, enjoying my sandwiches laden with peanut butter and pickles and knowing that I am not alone.

And while calling the PB&P "surprisingly not bad" is the best review I could hope for from my favorite radio broadcast staff, tonight I call it something else. I call it dinner.