Grilled peanut butter & banana sandwich

Ahh, so that's what the sun looks like!  As quickly as it appeared this weekend, it's going to disappear.  I think I saw every citizen of Pittsburgh out on runs, walks, or just wandering aimlessly and squinting in the direction of the sky in disbelief.  "Sun!  Old friend!"  But that's supposed to change today with the onset of a "wintry mix."  Listen, I love snow, but this dreaded "wintry mix" of which the meteorologists speak is not something I want to hear. "Wintry mix" is evil meteorologist code for "wet changing snow-like precipitation that isn't pretty in the least."  Just tell me it's rain already, don't get me excited for snow.  Thanks.

So, knowing that a mix was headed this way, I tried to get out of my apartment as much as possible -- did some outdoor shopping, made a muffin delivery (see tomorrow's post), and you know, celebrated the nice weather in the best way possible -- a movie.  But really, it was an evening flick, and a phenomenal one at that.  An Education. Do yourself a favor and go see it. Honestly, I wouldn't have even known about it had it not been for my friends' keen interest in all things entertainment (go you guys!).  

A nice Sunday night movie, but man, was my stomach growling when it was finished.  I headed home to a) get into sweatpants, b) make a quick dinner, and c) watch some glorious USA-Canada Olympic hockey.  But what to make... Ever have a time when you're so hungry but nothing quite sounds like it will satisfy you?  Then it hit me!   All I could think of was something I'd see Paula Deen make this week.  Sweet mother of all things good and delicious -- a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich dusted with cinnamon sugar.  [wipes drool off keyboard] Apparently it was a favorite of Elvis in his day, too.  Say what you will about that woman (she is sweet but a total nutter, to borrow the term from a dear friend), but she knows how to make comfort food better than anyone.

Something about this sandwich makes you feel like a kid again, but then you remember you're an adult and if you want peanut butter, banana and sugar for dinner, well then go right ahead!  It would make a great snack or even breakfast, too.

Grilled Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich

-makes one unbelievably delicious sandwich... selfishly serving 1

1 medium banana, sliced into 1/2" rounds

Peanut butter of your choice

Butter

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

Heat a skillet over low heat.  In a shallow plate, whisk together cinnamon and sugar; set aside.  Meanwhile, spread peanut butter on one side of two pieces of bread (don't be stingy, as the peanut butter will hold the banana in the sandwich).  Place sliced bananas on one peanut-buttered piece -- really pack them together.  

Sandwich pieces of bread together, butter one side of exposed bread and place that side of the sandwich down into the skillet.  Butter the exposed side of the sandwich carefully while the other cooks.  Flip when cooking side reaches the golden brown level you want (some like it darker, some lighter) and cook on remaining side.

Remove sandwich from pan and immediately place in sugar, flipping and dusting both sides with cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.  Cut in half, serve, and enjoy the crunch of the cinnamon sugary outside with the molten peanut butter and banana inside.  Oh, and try not to be too shocked when your plate looks this clean: