Ode to Peanut Butter

On a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon I felt a twinge of homesickness, but I knew the cure. I pulled out a spoon and opened the cupboard.

I wasn't always soothed by this heavenly paste, but it has become my comfort, my little purple pill, my fuzzy blankie.

When I first arrived in China I experimented with several sweets and snacks, searching for that perfect comfort food.

That is, until I got 'The Disease.'

Upon close inspection, I discovered that I, Kathryn Roundy, am addicted to this crazy little thing called 'Peanut Butter.'

While I never cared too much for the stuff before, it now drives me; almost like a monster inside of me- trying to get out and attack anything that even resembles peanut butter.

The old adage 'moderation in all things' certainly does not apply in this case. Bill Cosby had it right when he said 'Men can not live by bread alone...He must have Peanut Butter!!'

Only by picturing myself with my elbows propped on the dirty table, greasy fingers clutching a dry piece of toast and reaching for the scrumptious spread can I unglue my head from the pillow.

I then race downstairs to the kitchen where I rapidly consume at least three pieces of peanut butter toast before smearing it all over everything in sight: boiled rolls, fried bread...it's all the same.

You would think that this horrific habit would only be a breakfast routine, but no. Our cook has made the mistake of leaving the PB on the table during our other meals as well.

I therefore feel obligated to wolf it down, as I can't let the poor little jar just sit there.

So, I smack it on bananas at lunch and shlop it over apples at dinner. Nothing is too good for this tasty substance. Peanut butter on rice and vegetables and even in oatmeal!

Once again, you would think that this shocking behavior would stop here, but no, the problem runs much deeper.

The instant I return to my room, out comes the peanut butter jar and anything that can be dipped into it. Cookies, crackers, spoons, chopsticks...it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it can be coated in this delightful paste.

As if my addiction is not enough, the disease is spreading. One by one the girls in my group are catching 'it.'

We go into peanut butter frenzies, consuming at least one jar a day, unless more are discovered.

Chunky, smooth, thick, thin, natural or artificial, peanut butter tends to taste the same...delicious!

We thought about cutting back, worried about developing a peanut-butter-pouch, but then we heard about the 'Peanut Butter Diet!'

The perfect cure has finally been found; you can indulge in creamy deliciousness while at the same time, reducing the risk of heart disease.

'Let them eat.....Peanut Butter!'