But I don’t like bananas…

If you’re a banana lover…or if you can’t stand the texture of this fruit, this recipe is for you!

Growing up, I wasn’t a huge ice cream person, much less a banana split person either. However, I saw this recipe and I had to try it out! Imagine a banana dipped in a sweet batter and fried until golden brown…and then dished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, carmel sauce and toasted pecans.

I must testify that this dessert was literally to die for…even for a banana-hater like myself. This recipe is so simple and will impress any guest that comes to dinner!

Banana Split!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons bakers’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 yolks
1 1/2 cups club soda
2 bananas
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Caramel Sauce:
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup of water
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/2 cup of heavy cream
Pinch kosher salt
1 pint of vanilla bean ice cream
1/4 cup banana chips
1/4 cup toasted pecans
Directions
Preheat your oil in a heavy-based pot for deep frying to 365 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add the yolks and club soda. Using a whisk, stir from the inside working your way out, slowly incorporating the dry ingredients without forming any lumps. Peel the bananas and dip in the batter and coat well. Fry in hot oil for 4-5 minutes until batter is puffy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels when done.

While bananas are cooking, prepare caramel sauce. Combine the sugar and water in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pot around, until the mixture is a deep caramel color and looks like syrup, about 8 minutes. Add the butter then carefully pour in the cream (it will bubble up) and continue to cook for another minute. Add a pinch of salt then cool before serving.

To serve the banana split, cut the bananas lengthwise and top with a large scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Pour warm caramel sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of banana chips and toasted pecans.

Just another dinner in the Northwest!

I was able to take a holiday up to my home state of Washington for a week. It’s been an amazing time complete with amazing food. One thing I take advantage of during my stay is the kitchen. A few nights ago, I prepared a meal that I saw while watching Tyler Florence’s show – Tyler’s Ultimate. This pasta dish was a sure-fire winner with the family and amazing left-overs the next day…and not to mention a quick recipe – for all you moms out there : )

Frozen shrimp works great – just lay out to thaw *
Substitute Linguini with thin spaghetti *

* Substitute Ideas

Shrimp Scampi Linguini

Sticks to Your Ribs

Everyone knows that oatmeal is a good start to your day. So, I was thinking, “what are some healthy and fast ways to eat a hearty breakfast?” I looked on the popular food network and I found a great break treat that is a sure-fire winner with a unique vanilla kick:)

So rise and shine, and start your day off right!

Vanilla Spice Oatmeal
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped, optional
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch nutmeg
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
1 cup lowfat milk, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the oats and raisins, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

In the meantime, place nuts, if using, in a dry skillet over a medium-high flame, and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

When the oats are cooked remove pan from the flame and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Swirl in the brown sugar and place the oatmeal in serving bowls. Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Note: For a quicker version using quick cooking or plain instant oatmeal: Cook the oatmeal according to the directions on the package. Stir raisins, brown sugar, and nutmeg into the cooked oatmeal. Top with milk, nuts (toasted or un-toasted) and cinnamon.

Family Traditions:)

Each year, around this time, my family celebrates our Irish heritage with corn beef and cabbage. However, my most favorite to go along with this yummy meal is the famous Irish soda bread! If you haven’t had a chance to taste it, <a href=”“>try it here!