My three boys have been living in the woods for the past few days. And it's been above 33 degrees Celsius since the day they left. I'm expecting that by the time they return tonight they will be looking for the coolest of treats and coldest of beverages I could possibly provide. Enter the frozen banana bite.
I remember seeing something fun created with frozen bananas in an old issue of Bon Appetit. I pulled my copies out last night and found exactly what I was looking for. Bite-sized pieces of banana, dipped in sweet, dark chocolate, coated with an assortment of fun toppings and popped in the freezer until each piece is completely frozen. Easy and oh. so. good.
When you bite into these little gems the texture of the frozen banana perfectly mimics that of a popsicle, albeit a more substantial one. In addition to be tasty this is incredible adaptable. Feel free to use milk or white chocolate and roll them in whatever you have on hand: nuts, toffee bits, dried fruits, toasted coconut, cookie crumbs or nothing at all. Whatever you prefer.
If you're planning a soiree, serve these on a tray a la an hors d'oeuvres for a fun finish to a party meal. And if you're trying to offer some creative summer-vacation-boredom-busters for your kiddies, this is a great activity for your little chefs. With nothing more than three or four ingredients, a few bowls and a baking sheet these could be made almost completely unsupervised.
I'm armed and ready for the return of my lads. I'm certain they'll be pleased with their welcome home treat.
Frozen Banana Bites, adapted from Bon Appetit
- 2 bananas, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp. olive or canola oil
- 1 tbsp. milk
- Assorted toppings
Stir chocolate, oil and milk in a small saucepan, set over medium hight heat, until melted and smooth. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Using a fork dip each piece of banana into the chocolate to cover completely. Dip each chocolate-covered piece into one of the toppings and roll around to coat well.
Transfer to baking sheet and repeat with remaining pieces. Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until frozen solid.
That look yummy... and easy, I love dark chocolate... with frozen banana... cool! I show my daughter how to make spring rolls for her school work when she is 12, and she do better them me... surprised! I am a cook for more then 20 years! :-( Mei
Posted by: Mei | 07/07/2010 at 10:44 PM
I like the fact that these are bite nice. Great looking and refreshing treat. Bet the boys gobbled them all up!
Posted by: Paula | 07/08/2010 at 10:21 AM
I like that theyre bite-sized too! No sticks to worry about and they really are just a pop-in-your-mouth kind of snack. The kids loved them and to be honest, we did too.
Posted by: Jan Scott | 07/08/2010 at 10:35 AM
I am not a huge fan of banana; but I love this idea. I am going to try these with peaches or something. Thanks for the idea!
Posted by: bianca | 07/08/2010 at 12:04 PM
Bianca, I love the idea of using peaches! Yum. Im not a big banana person either, but I really love these.
Posted by: Jan Scott | 07/08/2010 at 04:57 PM
How creative. I love it!
Posted by: Louise | 06/27/2011 at 10:15 PM
WHAT kIND OF tOPPING DO U GUYS USE =)
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Posted by: Naiya | 09/27/2011 at 02:51 AM