Recipe Station

Hopefully, you brought your appetite because this list of crunchy love is sure to make your stomach growl! They are not the healthiest of options to try but when you deep fry anything it becomes the ultimate delicious comfort food item.

Deep Fried PB and J!

For the deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Peanut oil, for deep-frying
About 1/2 loaf best-quality bread, perhaps a heavy sourdough nut or fruit bread such as raisin-walnut bread
About 1/2 cup peanut butter
About 1/2 cup strawberry jam (or any flavor)
About 2 1/4 cups banana chips (optional)
1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (2 ounces) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk
1  teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Pour enough oil in a deep pot or deep-fryer to measure about 3 inches. Heat the oil to 325°F (165°C).
2. Cut the bread into 8 slices, each about 1/4 inch thick. Go ahead and make 4 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (If you are a human, you should know how to do this.) But for this fried version, be sure you don’t overload them with too much PB or J. Before closing each sandwich, add a layer of banana chips if you dare.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add 1/2 cup milk and vanilla and whisk until a smooth batter forms. If necessary, add more milk to create a dippable consistency.
4. When the oil is hot, make sure all the sandwiches are tightly closed. Then, working with 1 sandwich at a time, dip it into the batter and turn it gently to thoroughly coat it. Lift it from the batter and let the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Using tongs to hold the sandwich tightly on 1 end, submerge the sandwich halfway into the hot oil and fry for 15 seconds, then release the sandwich into the oil. It should now float. Fry the sandwich, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per side. [Editor’s Note: If the sandwich isn’t turning golden brown in the suggested time, increase the temperature of the oil to 350°F (177°C).] Using the tongs, transfer the deep-fried PB&J to paper towels or a brown paper bag to drain. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
5. Serve the warm sandwiches with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a bit of extra sweetness.

Next: Deep Fried Pickles

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