In order to avoid confusion in the UK, where Jelly is something usually eaten in a bowl with custard, I have changed the name of this recipe slightly. I know the friend who gave it to me won’t mind…
This expat life comes with many bonuses – the chance to find out what life is really like in other countries, the chance to meet new people both local and expat, explore new places, learn new languages (if you are any good at them!), and meet new friends, and that in itself can be a slightly bittersweet thing. Whereas in our previous country Denmark, two years was usually the max before tax reasons meant that it was time for people to move on, here in Munich the norm tends to be 3 to 4 years before it’s time to pack up and start all over again…
So, with each new friendship (unless that person is a “lifer” the term we use for someone married to a native!) comes the knowledge that one day this person with whom you have a shared bond of the highs and lows of expat life will one day move onto pastures new. One question you will find yourself asked by prospective local and expat friends alike when you arrive anywhere new, is usually “how long are you here for?”, perhaps so people can decide whether it’s worth investing in you or not…
But there is also a positive aspect of such transitional friendships, the new things you learn about yet further countries, the ins and outs of various cultures, histories, family traditions, and the bonus of countless places to stay across the globe in the future. And then this – perhaps best of all – the long passed down family recipes that slowly work their way across the world through these global friendships.
And just before you get to try making this good stuff for yourself, I wanted to wish this particular Peanut Butter & Jam Square pushing friend the very best of luck back in her home country (any guesses from the recipe?). I shall miss your lovely family, and our exploration of slightly different places, and the strange food sampling. Oh, and you getting told off in Museums. We look forward to visiting that big farm in Carolina one day…
Ingredients:
120g butter,
75g sugar,
1 large egg,
180g crunchy peanut butter,
180g plain flour,
a pinch of salt,
half a teaspoon of baking powder,
half a teaspoon of vanilla extract,
180g Cherry Jam or Strawberry Jam,
20g chopped salted peanuts (optional)
Pre-heat the oven to 180 Deg C. Butter and line a 7×9 inch baking tray (or similar), sprinkle in a little flour to coat and set to one side. In a food mixer, cream together the butter and sugar before adding the egg. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and stir again until fully combined, In a separate bowl weigh out the dry ingredients, before adding them to the ingredients in the food mixer bowl. With a spatula (or, as it has a play dough like consistency, your fingers!) spread two-thirds of the mix evenly in the bottom of the baking tray. Gently spread the jam across this before adding the remaining peanut batter mixture to the top. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts across the top and bake for 45 minutes. Wait until cool and then cut into 12-15 slices. You can use strawberry jam for the filling, but we prefer cherry as it’s slightly sharper!
Emily @amummytoo says
These sound and look great – the texture looks wonderful. Thanks for linking up with #recipeoftheweek. I’ve Pinned, Stumbled and am about to Tweet this post and there’s a new linky live at 8pm tonight as usual. Would love you to join in :)
bavaria says
I will pop over later! ;) Thank you!
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
These sound delish! Sadly, I’m the only who like peanut butter :)
bavaria says
All the more for you then :D Actually, the 8 year old detests peanut butter, but these don’t taste overly peanut buttery! Thank you! :)
A Patchwork Life says
Yum! Peanut butter – love a sneaky spoonful when no one’s looking. In some ways expat life friendships sound similar to army ones – building up that closeness, seeing people every day, and then 2 years later, on to somewhere new and starting all over again. I found it hard and a little sad sometimes. Difficult to keep in touch with everyone. A wise army friend once told me she reckoned she kept in regular contact with two people per posting. I thought that sounded low, but as time goes on I think she’s probably right x
bavaria says
You know, I think she might be quite wise your friend… People’s lives are so busy, and it’s hard to keep up with everyone I guess! Thank you x
Sarah@The View From the Table says
I read the title of this post last week and I’ve been dreaming of them ever since.. Love your description of ‘lifers’ too.
bavaria says
Thank you Sarah! It always makes me laugh. :D
Jane @northernmum says
*drools*
Am so making me some of these
bavaria says
They are well worth the effort believe me, thank you Jane! :)
Mari says
What is it about peanut butter and jam as a couple that make them totally irresistable? Sounds delicious
bavaria says
Thank you Mari… A match I don’t actually like in a sandwich, but in these it’s perfect! :) x
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer says
Oh we used to eat something like this at school – love your idea of the recipes collected from around the world and people weighing up whether to invest their time / friendship / love in you – too true! x
bavaria says
Thank you. I definitely like the food part! :D x
Lulug1975@gmail.com says
Great recipe, all the more so for the fact that I always have these ingredients!
bavaria says
Thank you! We do too, always handy! :D
maggy, red ted art says
They sound delicious!
bavaria says
Thanks Maggy! :)
Liz Burton says
Very Elvis!
Sounds lush, I love peanut butter and really enjoyed reading about your nomadic friendships!
x
bavaria says
Completely Elvis! :D Thanks so much! :) xx
Mammasaurus says
Oh my yum! Love PB and love jam – I am going to have to do this :)
*rubs tummy excitedly*
bavaria says
Thank you! :D x
76sunflowers says
This sounds lovely but I’m the only one in the house who likes PB so this would be dangerous!!
bavaria says
All the more reason to make it!! Thank you! :)