#16 Elvis Special

Elvis was a true American icon, right down to his sandwiches. He was a fan of overindulgence, down home cooking, and crazy adventures, which is a large part of how this sandwich came to be associated with The King.

Story has it that Elvis was on his Graceland property, drinking with Captain Jerry Kennedy, a Denver native. Some alcohol had been consumed, tales were being told, and somehow the Fool’s Gold Loaf from the Colorado Mine Company in Denver became the focus of conversation. The sandwich contained the following:

• 1 loaf of French Bread
• 1 Jar of Blueberry Preserves
• 1 Jar of Peanut Butter
• 1 pound of Bacon
• Generous helpings of margarine

Elvis wanted to eat one so dearly that the whole group hopped on his private jet and flew to Denver. The owner of the Colorado Mine Company came to meet them at the airport with 22 sandwiches in tow. A fantastic and spontaneous party was thrown and everyone present devoured the sandwiches and washed them down with bottles of Dom Perignon from the plane. Sadly, since then the Colorado Mine Company has closed, but the chef who actually prepared those legendary 22 sandwiches is alive today and serves them at his own restaurant, Nicks Café.

No sandwich is perfect however and following this historically significant sandwich event, it is said that Elvis put his own touch on the sandwich. To add some more calories and flavor, Elvis would add sliced or mashed banana to his version of the sandwich instead of jelly (though jelly would often also be included). Also instead of using French bread, Elvis preferred fluffy Hawaiian bread, though this claim is unverified.

I present my proposal for the Elvis Sandwich, designed in such a way that it captures the original story, but tweaks it to be a meal fit for The King.

Honey Butter and Banana are the primary additional ingredients, but I do believe that were Elvis to be presented this sandwich, it would have the additional sweetness and flavor that he loved in his enormous meals. Many recipes for the Elvis Sandwich call for Creamy Peanut Butter, but I think that the opportunity for a delicious and interesting texture is lost with this choice, and Crunchy Peanut Butter is substituted instead. This is one of the most luxurious and intriguing Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, and is just so universally delicious that I honestly believe anyone who isn’t a vegetarian, allergic to peanuts, or on a diet would love to try this sandwich.