Recently two things conspired to change the plan for today’s Friday Feast post.
First, I was asked to participate in a panel discussion / interview with a major ‘adventure’ magazine about meals for folks to eat on the run when fly fishing, chasing bigger game fish offshore, hiking, skiing, hunting or doing what ever it is that otherwise floats your boat in the great outdoors.
It rapidly became clear I was the only non-professional (non-chef) in the bunch and did a hell of a lot more listening that talking (a reasonable posture to take most of the time no matter where you are…).
A fairly technical discussion flowed talking about different types of ‘substrates for the optimal energy bar’, with formulaic arguments ensuing worthy of any organic or physical chemistry classroom. Then ‘clean protein’ jerkies followed by ‘energy gels, chews, beans, blocks and blends. Yawn.
Finally the point came where I could audibly hide no longer – our host asked me point blank what my suggestion would be.
My suggestion that a carefully crafted, humble PB&J fit the bill perfectly drew a round of snickers, two snorts and what sounded like one whispered “what an asshole” comment.
My defense was swift and to the point.
The humble PB&J (should be) is cheap, energy dense, easy to prepare, infinitely variable with minimal effort, transportable with ease, pretty damned durable (with the right bread choice and if peanut butter is spread on both sides of the bread to cut down sogginess) even in extremes of temperature (try biting through that energy bar on the ride up Alta’s Supreme when it’s -12 and windy).
And the unadulterated joy that a PB&J brings to just about everybody I know, regardless of their (calendar) age, is further proof it belongs in your pack come next adventure.
My lovely wife and I carried PB&Js all over northern Utah, Idaho and Wyoming during some lean residency years and became experts in their craft and care.
Then Jess sent this link over a couple of days ago; this week had to be PB&J week.
Bread – go highbrow with something like Dave’s Killer Bread
Peanut Butter – express yourself
Jelly, Jam, Fruit Spread, Preserves – my first reach: Orange Marmalade
You know the drill.
Enjoy.
