(Family Features) - Elvis Presley's fondness for peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches is part of American culinary history. But this high-fat sandwich leaves me crying in the chapel of nutrition.

So I've taken the legendary crooner's favorite combo and kept it hearty, and yet made it healthier, and one that even your family will respond to with "thank you very much!"

A peanut butter lovers' dream, pumpkin and peanut butter blend easily together to create a spread that cuts the fat and calories of peanut butter alone. These two nutritional powerhouses are easily spread over whole wheat bread and covered with banana slices. For lunch or a quick snack, this really hits the spot.

That humble can of pumpkin on your pantry shelf inspires nutrition accolades and also daily, delicious ideas:

• Enjoy it right out of the can! Stir pumpkin into peanut butter, applesauce, yogurt or hot cocoa to add a healthy dose of nutrients to your diet.
  
  
• Rich in fiber, pumpkin helps curb appetite, keeping you satisfied between meals.
  
  
• A one-half cup serving of pumpkin provides you with more than a day's requirement of Vitamin A, with only a half gram of fat.
  
  
• Plus it's sodium free with an excellent source of fiber---all for only 40 calories.
  
  
• What's in a name? If your recipe calls for "pure pumpkin," "solid pack pumpkin" or "pumpkin puree," they're all the same thing-100% pure pumpkin!
  
  
• Have part of a can leftover? Place the pumpkin in a plastic container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
  
  
• Did you know? It's pumpkin's bright orange color that indicates its rich content of antioxidants (carotenoids) which the body converts to essential Vitamin A.

For delicious ways to use pumpkin for fueling super-nutrition into your family's daily diet, visit www.VeryBestBaking.com.