When Kristin Jackson prepared to open her Southern food restaurant Kiss My Grits in 2011, she knew her menu would not be complete without a tribute to The King.

"My uncle was a huge Elvis fan, so I thought it would be appropriate," she said.

It was while researching waffle dishes for her restaurant in Puck’s Alley that Jackson was inspired by Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich, a deep-fried peanut butter-and-bacon sandwich.

"They fry everything in the South," she said with a laugh.

Her rendition, unfried: a waffle sandwich of peanut butter mixed with maple syrup and topped with mashed banana and bacon slices. It’s called simply "The Elvis."

"It’s very popular," said Jackson. "It’s a really good dish for kids."

Jackson was happy to share her recipe, saying it’s an easy one to do at home. She uses homemade waffles but store-bought works just fine.

THE ELVIS

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling
4 miniwaffles (about 3 inches diameter)
1/2 smashed banana, or to taste
4 slices thick-cut bacon
Powdered sugar, for sprinkling

Mix together peanut butter and maple syrup and spread on each waffle. Mash the banana and spoon over two of the waffles. Crisscross bacon over banana and top with other waffles. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with more maple syrup. Serves 2.

Nutritional information unavailable.

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Contact Kiss My Grits at 348-0626.