The triple-decker marshmallow berry soy sandwich is a variation on the classic peanut butter and jelly. Larry Crowe | Associated PressFor many families, the morning is the ultimate in deadline cooking.

Soon, parents will be getting the children out of bed, into their clothes and onto the school bus. Just figuring out what to stuff into their lunch boxes that won’t get traded or tossed is enough to keep most parents busy.

And perhaps that at least partly explains the persistent popularity of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Which is great, assuming your children don’t attend a school that is peanut-free.

Motivated by food-allergy concerns, many schools now either say no to nuts or have special peanut-free lunch tables.

So what’s a parent to do if junior simply has to dine on PB&J? First, chat with your doctor, then head to a natural-foods store, where there are options aplenty.

Natural-foods stores excel at offering sandwich fixings that are free of peanuts and other possible allergens. Once your doctor has told you which ingredients are safe, assembling kid-pleasing sandwiches is easy.

For example, if your child lives for Fluffernutter sandwiches but can’t eat eggs (Fluff includes egg whites), try Suzanne’s Ricemellow Creme, a gluten-free, vegan marshmallow spread made from brown rice syrup.

And if peanuts are off the table, try a jar of soy nut butter, many brands of which brag of being produced in nut-free factories. Opt for a sweetened variety, which mellows the flavor of the soy nuts.

If some nuts are acceptable but you’re looking for a peanut-free alternative, consider chocolate hazelnut spread. It’s especially delicious with marshmallow spread.

Also, consider thinking beyond nuts and their soy alternatives. Check out pear and apple butters, which are similar to jam and often contain little or no sugar.

Canned sweet potato and pumpkin pie purŽes also make great sandwich spreads. Some varieties are sweetened and spiced, making them an easy way to slip some produce into the sandwich. If you can’t find sweetened varieties, mix in a bit of honey and cinnamon. Refrigerate the leftovers for use in other sandwiches later.

Here are ideas for peanut butter and jelly alternatives that come together in a flash. (see full article for recipes).

Source: Associated Press, Lexington Herald-Leader, 8/5/07 and the American Peanut Council Newsletter.