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Manchester Evening News

Lifestyle

Jess Molyneux

Unusual snack people remember from childhood in Manchester

Manchester Greater Manchester

An unusual snack many Mancunians remember from their childhood is still loved by adults now.

Today, there is so much choice when it comes to treats you can take in your packed lunches or store in the kitchen cupboard. But sometimes, all it takes is eating a classic snack or remembering a lost brand to transport you back to your childhood in the region.

For older generations, food was made to go a long way and families got creative when it came eating. Some snacks may seem wholly unusual or even an acquired taste for children of today - but for many of us, they were a staple part of growing up.

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Decades ago, Mancunians will remember enjoying everything from school cake to sugar butties and - a banana sandwich. Nicknamed by some as a "narnie sarnie," a banana chopped finely or even mashed on two rounds of bread is still considered a classic to many.

On our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group, we shared an image of banana slices on bread with the caption, "Memories anyone? A childhood classic some would argue." And group members were quick to comment and share their memories.

A banana butty (Photo by John Ewing/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

Vincent Dego said: "Not had one for years." Kim Carr commented: "One of my favourites."

Margaret Valencia de Valence commented: "Mashed banana as it could be spread over several sandwiches. My older sister didn't know what a banana was, as there hadn't been any during the war." Martina Wilburn McAuley wrote: "Me....part of my childhood from neighbours house ......."

Alurie OSullivan posted: "Even better mashed" while Pamela Clowes said: "My favourite."

John Key said: "I remember Banana butties, and Mum also used to give us Orange butties, slices of orange with a sprinkling of sugar on. Only way we'd eat oranges!" And Valerie Haycock Broad wrote: "Heavenly!!!."

What snack or treat reminds you of childhood in Greater Manchester? Let us know in the comments section below.

Over the years, many Mancunians have enjoyed different variations of the sandwich, adding other toppings like sugar, sauces and peanut butter. It may seem a bit out there to some, but it's not too dissimilar to toppings you'd have on a crepe or a pancake.

The peanut butter and banana sandwich has also been referred to as a favourite of Elvis Presley's. Nicknamed the Elvis Sandwich or simply The Elvis, a peanut butter and banana sandwich - or a peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich - is cooked on a pan or griddle and numerous recipes can be found in cookbooks and online, including one from Nigella.

Julie Cregan said: "Has to be on brown bread though for me. Love em." Caroline Kennedy said: "Especially with a drizzle of honey."

Janet Simpson wrote: "It's still one of my favourites but I like my banana squished into the bread and a touch of black pepper." Scott Farrell commented: "Great with peanut butter."

John Pickup commented: "Mashed on toast with Nutella on top, oh my word what luxury." Steve Stubbs wrote: "Just add a bit of bacon."

Alyson Banks posted: "Yup! Still have them sometimes, with peanut butter occasionally too!" Hadge Pitt said: "Still have them grandson loves em."

Steven Robert Jones posted: "Yeah with sugar." And Michael Shimmin said: "Plus brown sugar of course."

Join our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group here.

The chapter clearly hasn't closed on this treat, with many still enjoying it today. Jean Holland New posted: "Still eat this love Banana butties."

Una Grimshaw posted: "Still do banana on toast for brekkie. Yum." Sue Fletcher said: "Still have a “narnie sarnie” regularly (born in the ‘50s)."

Sheila Dickinson commented: "Still love banana butties." Robin Smith said: "Still do."

Carol Anderton said: "Love banana on brown bread butties." And Lorraine Twigg said: "Regular banana butty eater still."

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But despite so many fond memories and love for the snack, others were not fans. Alan Richardson said: "Definitely NO."

Denise Muszynski commented: "No ta." David Walton commented: "Banana butties weren’t keen on them."

Anthony Faulkner commented: "Puke!." Daniel Hooker wrote: "Urgh. Whose idea was that..? Butter and banana? Seriously..?"