Us Brits may be superior at tea and socialised healthcare, but Americans have really nailed the sandwich. So while I was munching on jam sandwiches in front of Sesame Street 20+ years ago, my genius U.S. counterparts had thrown some peanut butter on theirs.

There have been audible gasps when I’ve dared to admit I’ve never had a peanut butter and ‘jelly’ sandwich in my life. But thankfully my friend Beth had a remedy.

We headed to Peanut Butter & Co., which is just south of Washington Square Park and, in case the name doesn’t give it away, it sells all things peanut butter. The menu is extensive – offering sandwiches, sweets, drinks and snacks slathered in peanut butter, which comes in a variety of flavours including cinnamon raisin and white chocolate.

Beth and I decided to stay semi-traditional, both opting for the PB&J – I with a crunchy peanut butter and raspberry jam, she with a honey peanut butter, no crusts and a glass of milk.

They were served with carrot sticks and mini bags of chips crisps. Like a packed lunch. Suddenly I craved Sesame Street.

 Of course it was sticky, gooey and delicious. And a fair amount somehow ended up in my hair. Despite the lashings of peanut butter, it was sickly sweet and I left half of it to browse the place, which was fast filling up.

The shop sells peanut butter in endless flavours, cookies, brownies, brittle and snack packs. I nabbed a couple of cookies to take home but right now I feel nauseous and can’t even look at them.

But hurrah, what a patriotic first!