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 free of peanuts and other possible allergens. Once your doctor has told you what 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 a chocolate hazelnut spread. It's especially delicious combined with marshmallow spread.

Also, consider thinking beyond nuts and their soy alternatives entirely. Check out pear and apple butters, which are similar to jam and often contain little or no sugar.Here are three ideas for peanut butter and jelly alternatives that come together in a flash. - J.M. Hirsch, Associated Press

• Triple Decker Marshmallow Berry Soy Sandwich: Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons soy nut butter over one slice of bread. Top with 2 tablespoons vegan marshmallow cream and cover with a slice of bread. Spread an additional 1 1/2 tablespoons soy nut butter over the top. Add 1 tablespoon strawberry (or other berry) jam and top with a third slice of bread.

• Pumpkin Pie Sandwich: Spread 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin pie mix (not plain pumpkin puree) on a slice of bread. Top with 2 tablespoons apple butter and another slice of bread.

• Chocolate Hazelnut Pineapple Mash: Spread 2 tablespoons hazelnut chocolate spread on a slice of bread. Top with 3 tablespoons canned crushed, well-drained pineapple. Top with the second slice of bread.