The Fluffernutter: More Than Just a Regular Ol’ Sandwich?

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight has some seriously sticky business to discuss Friday: should the Fluffernutter, that peanut butter and marshmallow-y sweet treat, become the state's official sandwich?

"I associate the Fluffernutter with a really good childhood sandwich," Kathi-Anne Reinstein, the state representative who filed the legislation, told the Boston Globe.

But beyond that, the sandwich has its roots in the Bay State. Marshmallow Fluff, the main ingredient in this dentist-reviled sandwich, was invented in Somerville, Mass. and has been produced in nearby Lynn for 80 years.

"Well, it's very flattering,'' Marshmallow Fluff co-owner Don Durkee told the Globe. "I can't think of any other sandwich that has the equivalent association with Massachusetts."

The Fluffernutter isn't the only food the committee will consider Friday. They will also debate whether to make Necco Wafers, created in Cambridge, the official state candy, and the Charleston Chew the official candy bar.

Yes, we realize Charleston is a long way from New England, but Nat Sloane, the man who made them famous, was born just outside of Boston and they have been produced in Everett, Mass. for years. A group of girl scouts in Wakefield pushed for the candy bar at a mock hearing in April. "They testified not only on the tastiness of the candy bar, but they also danced the Charleston,'' Representative Mark Falzone, who sponsored the Charleston Chew bill, earnestly explained to the Globe.

Massachusetts apparently takes great pride in its delicacies. It already has five delectables that have achieved official state food status: the baked navy bean, corn muffin, chocolate chip cookie, Boston cream pie, and Boston cream doughnut.

Will the Fluffernutter join this esteemed (and tasty) group? Stay tuned to find out.

Photo courtesy of Keitei via Wikimedia Commons.