As long as there has been skiing, we have tried to find time and space-efficient snacks to eat on the chairlift.
Many of us have limited amounts of time to spend at the ski resort, as a result, going back to the car where you have a thermos full of chili and a spread of cured meats is highly inefficient. If we can eat in between laps, we can spend more time skiing. The logic really is quite simple. Naturally, snacks carried on the body are far more time-efficient.
Space is a key element here. Generally speaking, we can’t comfortably fit a footlong sub or a portly burrito in our pocket. To be sure, these items could be shoved into your pocket with enough persuasion, but it would severely compromise the structural integrity of the item in question. A squished burrito sounds like a bit of a nightmare. If the tortilla were to explode and the foil was to separate, it would be an ugly scene with salsa and beans everywhere.
To summarize, we are looking for a space-efficient and tidy snack that can take some abuse. Enter the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, or the “PB&J”, if you will.
The PB&J is a very sturdy sandwich. If it were in your coat or pant pocket, it could be compressed, smashed on a tree, or crashed on and it would come out in one piece. Of course, much of this depends on would depend on the sort of bread you select. Toasted sourdough PB&Js could survive the apocalypse but are a little tough when cold. An untoasted piece of wheat or multigrain is a bit more malleable, it compacts nicely and remains soft. Speaking of compressed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, some of us even intentionally sit on the PB&J prior to consumption to warm it up.
This isn’t all about convenience. There are nutritional benefits to consider. A PB&J is a fairly balanced sandwich. According to the National Peanut Board, A PB&J ticks a lot of the nutritional boxes. It has protein, plant-based fat, fiber, and a good dose of sugar.
Ski bums have been known to pinch a penny or two. This sandwich is about as cost-effective as it gets. A jar of peanut butter, jelly, and a loaf of bread should cost under $10 at most grocery stores. Perhaps closer to $15 for the Whole Foods crowd. This should be enough material to provide at least eight sandwiches. That number may vary based on whether or not you enjoy the ends or “butt” of the bread.
Another important aspect is this is a pretty easy sandwich to streamline. You could crank out a half dozen “pibbers” in five minutes. This provides enough sustenance for your drive to the ski hill, chairlift snacks, and the drive home. You’ll likely have an extra couple “sandos” for your crew, therefore, earning yourself crucial points that can be redeemed in the future for beers or something along that line.
Images from: National Peanut Board Facebook Page
