WE ALL KNOW the three main “P” food groups: pizza, popcorn, and – most importantly for a truly balanced diet – peanut butter. I mention this because you likely were unaware that March 1 is National Peanut Butter Lovers Day.
The health benefits of these three foods cannot be questioned. Some people refer to them as “comfort foods.” It should go without saying that comfort is an essential psychological necessity. No one can put down an empty pizza box or popcorn container without feeling better, satisfied with their lot and pleased with the experience.

When I was a much younger man, I worked once in a family-owned pizza restaurant. My direct supervisor at the time was the family 15 year old, who was a little shithead, you should pardon the expression. But I handled it because whenever I had the chance, I would make myself a little personal pizza, which truly bolstered my ability to withstand the kid’s lunatic management style.

Popcorn, of course, has long since come out of the movie theater and entered our homes in the form of microwave popcorn, surely the greatest invention since fly swatters.

But it is peanut butter – wonderful, creamy, gooey peanut butter – that has to get the most plaudits. Good peanut butter from Georgia makes me forget what a lousy president Jimmy Carter was. We all know how delicious a good medium-rare steak can taste, but it still cannot come close to PB&J on soft, fresh white bread. And if the guy who invented peanut butter cups doesn’t deserve sainthood, then I don’t know what!