Fluffernutter facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Liberty Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Region or state |  New EnglandMassachusetts |
| Created by | Emma Curtis |
| Main ingredients | Peanut butter, marshmallow creme |
| 352 kcal (1474 kJ) | |
A Fluffernutter is a sweet and sticky sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow creme. It's usually served on simple white bread. This tasty sandwich is a favorite for many kids and adults, especially in the New England region of the United States.
The name "Fluffernutter" is also used for other desserts, like cookies and cupcakes, that mix the classic flavors of peanut butter and marshmallow.
The sandwich was invented in the early 1900s in Massachusetts, right after marshmallow creme was created. The name "Fluffernutter" itself was invented by an advertising company in 1960 to help sell more sandwiches. It's so popular in Massachusetts that some people have tried to make it the official state sandwich!
Contents
How to Make a Fluffernutter
Making a Fluffernutter is super easy. You just spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and marshmallow creme on another. Then, you press the two slices together to make a sandwich. That's it!
Fun Variations
While the classic recipe uses white bread, you can try lots of fun variations to make it your own.
- Use wheat bread for a healthier option.
- Add Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Put in sweet ingredients like sliced bananas.
- Try salty or savory ingredients like bacon for a sweet-and-salty mix.
- Grill the sandwich like a grilled cheese for a warm, gooey treat.
Many people think of the Fluffernutter as a fun version of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Other Fluffernutter Foods
The yummy combination of peanut butter and marshmallow is used in more than just sandwiches. Food companies have created Fluffernutter cookies, snack bars, and even ice cream. The company that makes Marshmallow Fluff even has a cookbook with recipes for Fluffernutter pie and milkshakes.
History of the Sandwich
The story of the Fluffernutter begins with the invention of its key ingredient: marshmallow creme.
The Invention of Marshmallow Creme
Marshmallow creme, a sweet, fluffy spread, was invented in the early 20th century. In 1913, a couple named Amory and Emma Curtis from Melrose, Massachusetts, created "Snowflake Marshmallow Creme." Around the same time, in 1917, a man named Archibald Query invented a similar spread in Somerville, Massachusetts.
During World War I, Emma Curtis published a recipe for a "Liberty Sandwich." It was made with peanut butter and her Snowflake Marshmallow Creme on oat or barley bread. This is thought to be the very first Fluffernutter sandwich.
The Name "Fluffernutter" is Born
Archibald Query sold his marshmallow creme recipe in 1920 to two businessmen, H. Allen Durkee and Fred L. Mower. Their company, Durkee-Mower, still makes the famous "Marshmallow Fluff" brand today.
For many years, people ate peanut butter and marshmallow creme sandwiches without a special name. That changed in 1960 when Durkee-Mower hired an advertising agency. The agency came up with the catchy name "Fluffernutter" to market the sandwich. The name stuck and is now a registered trademark of the company for things like ice cream and printed recipes.
The Great Fluffernutter Debate
In 2006, the Fluffernutter became the center of a friendly political debate in Massachusetts.
A state senator, Jarrett Barrios, learned that his son's school was serving Fluffernutters every day. Worried about kids eating too much sugar, he suggested a new rule to limit Fluffernutter sandwiches in public schools to just once a week.
This idea caused a big stir! Many people thought the government shouldn't be telling schools what sandwiches to serve. A state representative named Kathi-Anne Reinstein proudly defended the sandwich. Her district was near the city where Marshmallow Fluff is made. She famously said she would "fight to the death for Fluff."
Reinstein even tried to pass a law to make the Fluffernutter the official state sandwich of Massachusetts. Although her attempts didn't pass, the debate showed how much people in the state love this simple, sweet sandwich.
In 2021, the word "fluffernutter" was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, proving it has earned its place in American culture.
See also
In Spanish: Fluffernutter para niños
