A symbolic sandwich

On the day of Grandpa Jerry's viewing, I cannot help but think of a sandwich. A peanut butter and pickle sandwich. An unlikely pairing that serves as a family staple, passed down through generations as if an heirloom.

As an 'in-law', the PB&P is a type of initiation - a rite of passage. While disgusting as it sounds, I've learned to tolerate the taste to appease my enthusiastic husband's wishes - until he comes home from Costco with an industrial-sized jar of pickles and a dual pack of peanut butter, that is. =)

In doing a bit of research on this cult-like sandwich, I learned the PB&P sandwich appeared on lunch menus during the Great Depression and within cookbooks in the 1930s. Basically, a lot of people’s grandparents used to eat them. And still do - just in heaven.

So, here's to you, Grandpa Jerry and your affinity for the peanut butter and pickle sandwich. May your spirit - and the PB&P - live on in our hearts and bellies.

RIP. Godspeed. Eternal love.