New York Times, Monday, June 19, 2023

I knew from the beginning that this theme would break the no-repeated-entry rule, but this construction unlocked itself when I decided that it was also okay to abandon the 15x15 grid and let the puzzle be the shape that it just naturally wanted to be. In fact, I'd spent a long time trying to make this or some other sandwich puzzle instead, in a 15x. The Reuben was particularly seductive, with its 15-letter SLICE OF RYE BREAD and the fact that its other ingredients are symmetric-length, too, but its ingredients never looked quite right when they went into a grid, and, eventually, this very classic sandwich (and the very non-classic 12x19 grid) was the winner.

It's probably surprising how much you (well, I) end up doubting things that you're pretty sure you know but can't quite figure out how to fact-check: that you don't have to use grape jelly to make a good PB&J; that the peanut butter definitely goes below the jelly/jam, not above; etc. But, happily, in the end, this puzzle ended up being the exact version of the sandwich that I remember from childhood. And I'd rather have one of these than a Reuben, anyway.

I'm thrilled to have finally cracked a Monday — I've always struggled to come up with themes that are both interesting and approachable. Finally, I have something to counterbalance my hefty pile of Monday-level rejections!

I love it when something different comes along, especially on a Monday. It's been a long time since we had such a rectangular offering, and that one was money. Today's didn't just break out of squaresville, it also entered the ranks of Repeated Words puzzles. Bring on the carbs!

It'd be tough to open wide enough to eat this sandwich — unless you're one of my favorite competitive eaters. Even Randy "Atlas" Santel, Katina Eats Kilos, and Beard Meats Food might hesitate before tackling such a mouthful.

Although, Katina did show off Hulk Smash techniques …

Neat that all four (three) themers are the exact same length. It's like how my daughter grumbles if I don't get the jam or peanut butter to the exact edge of the bread. It is a time-consuming pain, but there is something satisfying about perfecting it, just as having the themers span today's grid is elegant. No crusts to cut off!

Working with such an unusual aspect ratio would make many constructors shake in their boots, since it's not uncommon practice to seek out and study (or reuse) prior grids that used your themer lengths. Reuse is okay, but it's so much better to customize each grid to tackle the hardest letter combinations. Plus, that gives you practice for when you need to break into unprecedented ground, like today. David did so well to incorporate not only four long Downs, but more extras by opening up the top left and bottom right corners. OVER ICE PIRANHA evokes strong imagery!

A straightforward PB&J isn't my jam these days, so I appreciated the unusual aspects.