Let's Go Bananas!: Sweet and Savory Banana Recipes: The Best of the Bunch!

Table of contents :
Introduction
Breakfast & Brunch
Bacon and Banana Scramble
Banana Egg Pancake for One
Banana Oats
Cinnamon and Banana Muffins
Granola Banana Popsicles
Peanut Butter-Banana Greek Yogurt Parfaits
Salmon, Herb Scrambled Eggs and Green Bananas
Texas Toast Bananas Foster
Toasted Chocolate and Banana Brioche Sandwiches
Tropical Breakfast Bowl
Lite Bites & Mains
Bacon and Banana Pizza
Banana and Chickpea Curry
Banana Chip-Crusted Jerk Pork Chops
Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado-Banana Mousse
Hot Tropical Fruit and Sausage
Lamb Burger with Grilled Banana and Eggplant
Pan-Fried Steak with Banana and Onion
Spiced Black Snapper with Green Bananas
Thai Curried Pork and Banana Casserole
Tuna, Egg and Green Banana Salad
Sweet Treats
Banana Bread Slices
Banana Cream Chocolate Truffles
Banana Split Brownies
Coconut Banana Cheesecake
Crunchy Fried Bananas
Miso and Orange Baked Bananas
Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie
Pumpkin Banana Ice
Rum and Banana Tarte Tatin
Spiced Tea and Banana Rice Pudding
Beverages
Banana Cabana
Banana Milk Coffee
Bananas Foster Thickshake
Coconut, Banana, and Salted Caramel Thick Shake
Dirty Banana
Espresso Banana Smoothie
Frozen Banana Split Cocktail
Party Punch
Spicy Kiwi Banana Smoothie
Sweet Dreams Banana Peel Tea
Author's Afterthoughts
About the Author

Citation preview

Let’s Go Bananas! Sweet and Savory Banana Recipes: The Best of the Bunch!

BY Christina Tosch Copyright 2020 Christina Tosch

Copyright Notes This Book may not be reproduced, in part or in whole, without explicit permission and agreement by the Author by any means. This includes but is not limited to print, electronic media, scanning, photocopying or file sharing. The Author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information in the Book but assumes no responsibility should personal or commercial damage arise in the case of misinterpretation or misunderstanding. All suggestions, instructions and guidelines expressed in the Book are meant for informational purposes only, and the Reader assumes any and all risk when following said information.

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Table of Contents Introduction Breakfast & Brunch Bacon and Banana Scramble Banana Egg Pancake for One Banana Oats Cinnamon and Banana Muffins Granola Banana Popsicles Peanut Butter-Banana Greek Yogurt Parfaits Salmon, Herb Scrambled Eggs and Green Bananas Texas Toast Bananas Foster Toasted Chocolate and Banana Brioche Sandwiches Tropical Breakfast Bowl Lite Bites & Mains Bacon and Banana Pizza Banana and Chickpea Curry Banana Chip-Crusted Jerk Pork Chops Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado-Banana Mousse Hot Tropical Fruit and Sausage Lamb Burger with Grilled Banana and Eggplant Pan-Fried Steak with Banana and Onion Spiced Black Snapper with Green Bananas Thai Curried Pork and Banana Casserole

Tuna, Egg and Green Banana Salad Sweet Treats Banana Bread Slices Banana Cream Chocolate Truffles Banana Split Brownies Coconut Banana Cheesecake Crunchy Fried Bananas Miso and Orange Baked Bananas Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Pumpkin Banana Ice Rum and Banana Tarte Tatin Spiced Tea and Banana Rice Pudding Beverages Banana Cabana Banana Milk Coffee Bananas Foster Thickshake Coconut, Banana, and Salted Caramel Thick Shake Dirty Banana Espresso Banana Smoothie Frozen Banana Split Cocktail Party Punch Spicy Kiwi Banana Smoothie Sweet Dreams Banana Peel Tea Author's Afterthoughts

About the Author

Introduction

Let’s Go Bananas is a collection of 40 sweet and savory banana recipes that really are the best of the bunch. If you have a green, ripe, or over-ripe banana sitting around in your fruit bowl, then check-out how to add flavor, moistness, and sweetness to all sorts of recipes, including: • Granola Banana Popsicles • Texas French Toast Bananas Foster • Tropical Breakfast Bowl • Bacon and Banana Pizza • Lamb Burger with Grilled Banana and Eggplant • Thai Curried Pork and Banana Casserole • Coconut Banana Cheesecake • Crunchy Fried Bananas • Spiced Tea and Banana Rice Pudding • Frozen Banana Split Cocktail • Spicy Kiwi Banana Smoothie • Sweet Dreams Banana Peel Tea

From breakfast and brunch recipe ideas to lite bites and main, sweet treats and beverages, discover how to make the most of this versatile fruit. Cakes, casseroles, cocktails, and more – Let’s Go Bananas!

Breakfast & Brunch

Bacon and Banana Scramble

Why not jazz-up scrambled eggs and bacon with banana and season with warm spices? There is no better way to start the day. Servings: 1 Total Time: 12mins Ingredients: • 3 slices bacon (cut into ½“ squares) • 1 banana (peeled and cut into ½“ cubes) • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • Salt (to season) • ¼ cup aged Cheddar cheese (shredded) Directions: 1. Over moderate heat, cook the bacon in a frying pan until browned slightly. 2. Add the banana.

3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with cinnamon and salt. Next, pour the egg mixture into the frying pan, and scramble the eggs to your preferred firmness. 4. Scatter over the shredded Cheddar cheese and enjoy.

Banana Egg Pancake for One

This two-ingredient breakfast is ready from pan to plate in just 10 minutes. Go on, spoil yourself. You know you're worth it! Servings: 1 Total Time: 10mins Ingredients: • 1 ripe banana (peeled) • 2 eggs • Butter (as needed) Directions: 1. Mash the banana in a bowl. 2. Whisk the eggs and add to the mashed bananas. 3. Over low to moderate heat, in a small frying pan, warm the butter. 4. Add the banana-egg mixture to the pan and fry gently until the egg is set. Flip the pancake over and cook on the other side.

5. Remove from the pan and enjoy.

Banana Oats

Combine all your favorite flavors and create this best banana breakfast dish that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime. Enjoy. Servings: 1 Total Time: 45mins Ingredients: • Nonstick cooking spray • 1½ ounces oats • ½ tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp brown sugar (divided) • 1¾ ounces banana (peeled and mashed) • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 3½ ounces plain, fat-free yogurt • 1 large egg • Yogurt (to serve) • Banana slices (to serve) • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Directions: 1. Preheat the main oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Spritz a small oven-proof dish with nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, and ½ tablespoon of brown sugar). 4. In a second bowl, combine the banana with the vanilla extract, yogurt, and egg, whisk to combine. 5. Add the wet to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. 6. Pour the mixture into the oven-proof dish. 7. Scatter the remaining brown sugar over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until set and golden. 8. Serve topped with yogurt, slices of banana, and maple syrup. 9. Enjoy.

Cinnamon and Banana Muffins

These mouth-watering muffins are the perfect on-the-go breakfast or brunch. Invite some friends around and enjoy a steaming mug of coffee or tea. Servings: 18 Total Time: 25mins Ingredients: • 3 large ripe bananas (peeled and mashed) • 2¾ ounces margarine (melted) • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • A small pinch of salt • 1½ cups baking flour • Cinnamon Sugar: • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 2-4 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions: 1. Preheat the main oven to 350 degrees F. Using muffin cases line a muffin pan (s). 2. In a bowl, combine the mashed banana with the melted margarine, 3. Add the sugar, egg, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix to combine. 4. A little at a time, add the flour, blending well after each addition. 5. Fill the muffin cases approximately ¾ full. 6. For the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar with the cinnamon. 7. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the mixture in the muffin cases and bake in the oven for 18-25 minutes, until springy to the touch. 8. Remove from the oven and serve.

Granola Banana Popsicles

If you rush out of the house in the morning without eating breakfast, then these granola banana popsicles are the way to go. Servings: 6 Total Time: 5mins Ingredients • ¼ cup smooth peanut butter • 2 tbsp + 1½ tsp runny honey • 4½ tsp brown sugar • 2 tsp whole milk • 3 firm bananas (peeled) • 2 crunchy honey oat granola bars (crushed) Directions: 1. In a small pan, combine the peanut butter with the honey, brown sugar, and milk and cook through until heated while occasionally stirring.

2. Peel the bananas and cut lengthwise in half. 3. Insert a popsicle stick into one end of each banana half. 4. Spoon the peanut butter over the bananas to coat entirely. 5. Scatter with crushed granola bars. 6. Serve at once or arrange on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, and freeze. 7. Once the banana sticks are frozen, remove from the freezer and serve.

Peanut Butter-Banana Greek Yogurt Parfaits

These fruit and nut yogurt parfaits are ideal for busy mornings when there is no time to bake or cook. All it takes to create a healthy breakfast is just 5 minutes out of your busy schedule. Servings: 4 Total Time: 5mins Ingredients: • 3 cups fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt • 2 cups dried banana chips (crushed) • 1 cup multi-grain breakfast cereal with peanut butter (any brand) • 3-4 small ripe bananas (peeled and sliced) • ¼ cup unsalted nuts of choice (chopped) Directions: 1. In 4 parfait dishes, layer ¾ cup of Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of banana chips, and ¼ cup of cereal.

2. Top with slices of fresh banana and chopped nuts. 3. Serve and enjoy.

Salmon, Herb Scrambled Eggs and Green Bananas

If you are looking to begin your family’s day with a gourmet breakfast, then this salmon scramble will fit the bill. Servings: 4 Total Time: 20mins Ingredients: • 3 green bananas • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • A drizzle of grapeseed oil • 8 eggs • ½ cup milk • ½ cup cream • A handful of fresh parsley • Salt and black pepper (to season) • 1 tbsp butter

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7 ounces cold smoked salmon slices Crème fraiche (to serve)

Directions: 1. Using a sharp knife, peel the bananas and remove the skin. Grate the banana into a mixing bowl and season with salt and black pepper. Squeeze the mixture with clean hands and form into circles. 2. Heat a pan and add sufficient grapeseed oil to coat the surface lightly. 3. Add the banana mixture to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping over when crispy and golden. Keep the mixture warm while the eggs cook. 4. Heat a deep saucepan. 5. Whisk the eggs with the milk, cream, parsley, and season lightly. 6. Add the butter to the deep pan, and once melted, add the egg mixture, gently stirring until cooked through. 7. Serve the eggs with the green bananas and salmon slices. 8. Add a dollop of crème fraiche and enjoy.

Texas Toast Bananas Foster

Are you planning a brunch? Then this boozy Texas Toast with its rum caramel sauce recipe is the one to impress your guests. Servings: 4 Total Time: 40mins Ingredients: French Toast Batter: • 3 eggs • ⅓ cup whole milk • ⅓ cup double cream • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract • ¼ tsp orange flavor liqueur • ⅛ tsp sea salt • ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon Caramel Sauce: • 1 cup unsalted butter • 2 cups packed brown sugar

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¼ tsp ground cinnamon ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice ¼ cup dark rum 1 tbsp banana liqueur 3 bananas (peeled and sliced) 6 slices Texas toast bread

Directions: 1. First, prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine the eggs with the milk, cream vanilla extract, orange liqueur, salt, and cinnamon and stir to create a smooth batter. 2. Next, prepare the sauce: Over moderate to high heat, melt the butter. 3. Add the brown sugar to the butter and stir continually until dissolved. 4. Next, add the cinnamon along with the fresh orange juice, and bring to a simmer. 5. Take the pan off the heat and pour in the rum and banana liqueur. 6. Return the pan to the heat and, with a pastry, brush down the sides of the pan with water. Remove the pan from the heat. 7. In a small sauté pan, combine ¼ cup of the caramel sauce with the bananas, and over high heat, sauté until warmed through. Keep the mixture warm. 8. Finally, prepare the toast by preheating a griddle over high heat. 9. Dip the slices of bread in the batter. Arrange the bread on the griddle, flipping it over after a couple of minutes. 10. To serve, add ¼ cup of sauce to a dessert plate, top with the toast. 11. Spoon on the bananas, and drizzle with caramel sauce. 12. Enjoy.

Toasted Chocolate and Banana Brioche Sandwiches

Sweet chocolate and banana breakfast brioche to make at home has never tasted this good. Servings: 4 Total Time: 6mins Ingredients: • Knob of butter (softened) • 8 slices of brioche • 2 bananas (peeled and sliced) • 3½ ounces dark chocolate (coarsely chopped) • 4 tbsp vanilla sugar Directions: 1. Butter each brioche slice on both sides. 2. Top 4 of the slices with the sliced banana.

3. Scatter the chocolate over the banana and top with the remaining 4 slices of buttered brioche. 4. Over moderate heat, heat a griddle or frying pan. 5. Sprinkle the vanilla sugar on top of each brioche sandwich and cook with the sugar side facing downwards while pressing down gently with a spatula to help the chocolate melt. for an additional 2-3 minutes 6. Serve and enjoy.

Tropical Breakfast Bowl

Start the day with this breakfast bowl, packed full of tropical fruit. It will make sure you go a long way to enjoying your five-a-day in just one serving! Servings: 2 Total Time: 15mins Ingredients: • ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk • 2 oranges (peeled, and seeded) • 1 tsp lime zest (finely grated) • 1½ tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice • 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted) • ¼ tsp ground cardamom • ¼ cup raw cauliflower (frozen) • 2 tbsp goji berries • 2 cups frozen mango • 1 frozen banana (medium, sliced)

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1 cup fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and chopped, to serve) 1 banana (peeled and sliced, to serve) ¼ cup coconut flakes (to serve) 2 tbsp shelled hemp seeds (to garnish)

Directions: 1. Add the coconut milk, oranges, lime zest, fresh lime juice, coconut oil, cardamom, frozen cauliflower, and goji berries to a food blender blitz for 30 seconds until silky smooth. 2. Scrape the sides of the blender down, add the mango and banana, and pulse until the consistency resembles a frozen sorbet. 3. Transfer to breakfast bowl, top with fresh pineapple, slices of banana, coconut flakes, and garnish with hemp seeds. 4. Enjoy.

Lite Bites & Mains

Bacon and Banana Pizza

In Sweden, banana is a common pizza ingredient used to top a base of a curry-style sauce. Servings: 1-2 Total Time: 15mins Ingredients: • Nonstick cooking spray • 1 store-bought pizza dough base • 2 tbsp passata • 2 tbsp mozzarella (grated, divided) • 2 slices bacon (grilled and chopped) • ½ just under-ripe banana (peeled and sliced) Directions:

1. Preheat the main oven to 475 degrees F. 2. Spritz a pan with nonstick spray and fry the pizza dough base to add a little color. 3. Place the dough base on a pizza stone. 4. Spoon over the passata, spreading to the edges. 5. Add 1 tablespoon of grated mozzarella, followed by the chopped bacon and slices of banana. Scatter over the remaining cheese. 6. Bake the pizza in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden. 7. Serve and enjoy.

Banana and Chickpea Curry

This healthy vegetarian curry has great texture and taste. Better yet, it is ready in just half an hour. Servings: 6 Total Time: 30mins Ingredients: • 2 tbsp coconut oil (divided) • 4 ripe bananas (cut into ½“ pieces) • 1 medium onion (peeled and chopped) • 4 garlic cloves (peeled and chopped) • 1 (2”) piece of ginger (peeled and chopped) • 1 (14½ ounces) can coconut milk • 2 tbsp curry powder • 1 tsp sea salt • 4 cups cauliflower (chopped) • 1 medium sweet potato (chopped)

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1 (19 ounces) can chickpeas Cilantro (chopped, to serve)

Description: 1. Over moderate to high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan. 2. Add the banana to the pan, cut side facing downwards, and cook for 2-3 minutes until well browned. Flip the bananas over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan. 3. Add the remaining oil to the pan, followed by the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. 4. Transfer the onion mixture to a food blender. 5. Add the cooked banana, coconut milk, curry powder, and sea salt and process on high speed until silky smooth. 6. Pour the sauce into a large pan and set over moderate to high heat. 7. Add the cauliflower, sweet potato, and chickpeas and bring to boil. 8. Turn the heat down and uncovered, simmer until the veggies are forktender, approximately 15 minutes. 9. Stir the remaining caramelized bananas into the sauce. 10. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Banana Chip-Crusted Jerk Pork Chops

This recipe featuring pork chops, banana, and black beans works great on weeknights when you are looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Servings: 4 Total Time: 30mins Ingredients: • 7 tbsp vegetable oil (divided) • A bunch of spring onions (chopped, white and green parts kept separate) • Salt and black pepper (to season) • 1 (14 ounces) can black beans with liquid • 1½ cups banana chips • ½ cup panko • 3 tsp dry jerk seasoning • 4 (8 ounces) bone-in pork chops (fat trimmed) • White rice (cooked, to serve)

Directions: 1. Over moderate heat, in a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. 2. Stir in the spring onion whites along with a ¼ teaspoon of salt and a ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and while stirring occasionally, cook until golden, for 2 minutes. Set the green parts of the spring onions aside. 3. Stir in the black beans, along with their liquid, and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning. 4. Add the banana chips to a food blender and pulse into finely ground. 5. Stir the banana crumbs with the panko and jerk seasoning. 6. Season each pork chops with a liberal amount of salt and black pepper, and dredge them in the banana crumb coating, pressing gently, so the crumbs adhere to the meat. 7. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large frying pan over moderate to high heat until hot. 8. In batches, add the pork chops and cook, turning once, for approximately 8 minutes, until golden. 9. Wipe the pan out and cook the remaining chops with the remaining oil. 10. When all the chops are cooked, allow them to rest for 5 minutes. 11. Serve the chops with the rice and beans, garnish with the green parts of the spring onions.

Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado-Banana Mousse

Your friends and family will love these sweet crab cakes garnished with peppered red grapefruit and served on a bed of creamy avocado and banana mousse. Servings: 6 Total Time: 1hour Ingredients: • Oil (to fry) • Ruby red grapefruit (peeled, pitted, and cut into segments) • Salt and black pepper • Panko breadcrumbs (as needed) • 3 eggs (beaten) • All-purpose flour (as needed) • 1 tsp fresh chives (sliced) • 1 pound Dungeness crab meat

• • • •

2 cups heavy whipping cream Zest of 1 lemon (very finely grated) 1 bay leaf 1 leek (root ends and greens trimmed)

Banana Avocado Mousse: • 3 avocadoes (peeled, pitted, and halved) • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • ½ tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 banana (peeled) Directions: 1. Trim the root ends and greens away from the leek, slice the remainder of the leek down the middle, fanning out the layers. Rinse the leek to remove any debris or sand and dice small. 2. Add the diced leek to a small pan, and add the bay leaf, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the cream has reduced by half. 3. Pour the leek mixture onto a mixing bowl, allow to cool, and transfer to the refrigerator to chill. 4. For the avocado--banana mousse, blend the avocado with the olive oil and process until smooth. You will need to stop the blender running once or twice and scrape down the bowl’s sides and stir. 5. Add the lemon juice to the blender along with the banana, and process to combine. 6. Transfer the mixture from the blender to a bowl, cover with kitchen wrap and place in the fridge until needed. 7. Add the crab to a bowl along with 1 cup of the leek mixture and fresh chives. Portion the crab mixture into even size balls, of approximately ¼ cup, per ball. 8. Add some flour to a shallow bowl and season with a pinch of salt and few dashes of pepper. 9. Add beaten egg to a second bowl and breadcrumbs to a third shallow bowl. Roll the crab balls first in the flour, then the beaten egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.

10. Press each crab balls down to flatten. 11. Transfer the crab cakes to the fridge until you are ready to cook. 12. When you are ready to cook the crab cakes, heat the oil in a large frying pan. 13. Add the crab cakes to the pan and fry on each side until browned and cooked through. 14. Spread a layer of the avocado-banana mousse on a plate. 15. Cut the grapefruit into segments and season with black pepper. 16. Place a crab cake on top of the mousse, followed by peppered segments of grapefruit and serve.

Hot Tropical Fruit and Sausage

Hot Tropical fruit and pork sausage links make the perfect lite bite or supper snack. Servings: 6 Total Time: 15mins Ingredients: • 1 (12 ounces) package uncooked pork sausage links • ¾ cup pineapple tidbits • 2 tbsp brown sugar • Pinch of ground cinnamon • 1 medium firm banana (peeled and sliced) Directions: 1. In a large frying pan, cook the pork sausage links according to the package instructions. Drain the fat and add the pineapple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook the mixture until heated through. 2. Stir in the banana slices and enjoy.

Lamb Burger with Grilled Banana and Eggplant

Juicy lamb burgers are the perfect complement to grilled eggplant and banana slices. What’s more, they taste way better than any you could find in the store. Servings: 4 Total Time: 20mins Ingredients: • 1 pound 2 ounces lean lamb (minced) • 1 large egg (beaten) • 2 tbsp fresh herbs of choice (chopped) • 2 tsp curry powder • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to season) • 4/5 cup extra virgin olive oil • 3 tbsp fresh basil leaves (chopped) • 2 firm bananas (peeled, sliced on the diagonal)

• •

1 eggplant (finely sliced into circles) Crusty French bread (to serve)

Directions: 1. Preheat your grill. 2. In a bowl, combine the minced lamb with the beaten egg, fresh herbs, and curry powder. Season the lamb mixture with salt and black pepper and form into 4 even size burgers. Keep the burgers chilled until needed. 3. In a small bowl, blend the olive oil with the chopped basil leaves until smooth. 4. Brush a drop of the basil oil over the burgers and cook on the grill until your desired doneness. Flip over, brush with basil oil and cook on the underside. 5. Brush the banana and eggplant slices with basil oil and cook on the grill for 1-2 minutes. 6. Serve each lamb burger topped with overlapping slices of banana and eggplant. Drizzle with a drop more basil oil. 7. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy.

Pan-Fried Steak with Banana and Onion

Banana and onion combine to make a tasty topping for a juicy pan-seared steak dish for one. Servings: 1 Total Time: 6mins Ingredients: • 1 banana (peeled) • 1 (6-8 ounces, 1” thick-cut) steak • ½ red onion (peeled and chopped) Directions: 1. Chop the banana into bite-size pieces. 2. Cover the steak with the banana and onion. Over moderate heat, cook until the bananas and onions are a paste consistency, and the steak is cooked through to your desired preference. 3. Serve and enjoy.

Spiced Black Snapper with Green Bananas

This Caribbean-style fish dish to serve with spicy green banana salsa is a great way to enjoy the whole snapper. Servings: 4 Total Time: 35mins Ingredients: Salsa: • 3 green bananas (unpeeled, thickly sliced) • 1 green capsicum (finely chopped) • 1 spring onion (finely chopped) • 1 green chili (finely diced) • 2 tbsp fresh coriander (chopped) • 3 tbsp coconut oil • Freshly squeezed juice and zest of 2 fresh limes • Salt and fresh black pepper (to season) Snapper:

• • • • • • • • • •

4 (12-16 ounces) whole snapper (scaled and gutted) 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp nutmeg 2 tsp powdered garlic 2 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp dried thyme 1 tbsp allspice Scrapings of 1 vanilla pod Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to season) Splash of oil (to grill)

Directions: 1. First, prepare the salsa: Grill the bananas on each side for 1-2 minutes. 2. Add the grilled bananas to a bowl and add the green capsicum, spring onion, green chili, coriander, coconut oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and seasoning. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes. 3. Next, prepare the whole snapper. Make 4 cuts down the bone across each side of the snapper. 4. In a bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, ginger, dried thyme, allspice, and vanilla pod scrapings. Rub all over the snapper and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 5. Drizzle oil over the snapper, and grill on high heat for 1½ -2 minutes, flip over and cook on the other side until fish is slightly charred. Total cooking time is approximately 3-4 minutes. 6. When you are ready to serve, arrange the snapper on a serving platter, spoon the salsa over the top, and enjoy.

Thai Curried Pork and Banana Casserole

Thai red curry paste is a flavorful and colorful addition to this creamy pork and banana main course. Servings: 4 Total Time: 1hour 15mins Ingredients: • 1 pound pork tenderloin (cut into ½“ cubes) • 3 tbsp butter • 3 large, ripe bananas (peeled) • 3 tsp Thai red curry paste • 1½ cups whipping cream • 1 tsp salt • Boiled white rice (to serve, optional) Directions: 1. In a frying pan, brown the pork in the butter.

2. Slice the bananas and arrange them in layers in a baking dish. 3. Place the browned pork on top of the bananas. 4. In a small bowl, combine the Thai red curry with the whipping cream. Mix the ingredients well to blend. 5. Pour the curry-cream mixture over the pork and bananas. 6. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 60 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and serve on a bed of boiled rice.

Tuna, Egg and Green Banana Salad

Colorful, nutritious, and delicious, this salad is all you want! Servings: 4 Total Time: 20mins Ingredients: • 4 eggs • 1 cup green beans (trimmed and sliced) • 4 cups iceberg lettuce (torn) • 2 cups green banana (peeled and diced) • 2 cups baby tomatoes (halved) • 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna steak in spring water (drained and fluffed with a fork) • 1 lemon (cut into wedges) Directions: 1. Bring a pan of water to boil.

2. Hard-boil the eggs in the water for approximately 10 minutes. 3. Using a slotted spoon, take the eggs out the water and transfer to a bowl of cold water until cooled enough to peel. 4. In the meantime, boil the sliced green beans until al dente and a vivid green color, for 4-5 minutes. 5. Drain the green beans and rinse until cold running tap water. 6. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut into quarters. 7. Arrange the torn iceberg lettuce on a large platter. 8. Scatter the cooked green beans, diced bananas, hard-boiled egg quarters, tomatoes, and tuna over the lettuce. 9. Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy.

Sweet Treats

Banana Bread Slices

Your kids will love these moist banana bread slices. They are the ideal lunchbox or after-school sweet snack. Servings: 8-10 Total Time: 45mins Ingredients: • Butter (to grease) • 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1 cup packed brown sugar • ½ cup water • ⅓ cup ripe bananas (peeled and mashed) • ⅓ cup canola oil • ½ tsp vanilla extract • Powdered sugar (to dust) Directions:

1. Preheat the main oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8” square baking pan. 2. In a bowl, combine the flour with the bicarbonate of soda. 3. In a second bowl, whisk the brown sugar with the water, banana, canola oil, and vanilla extract. 4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just moistened. 5. Transfer the mixture to the baking pan. 6. Bake in the oven until springy to the touch, for 30-35 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire baking rack. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy.

Banana Cream Chocolate Truffles

These truffles are a perfect after-dinner treat to enjoy with coffee or liqueurs or give to a special one as a gourmet gift. Servings: 48 Total Time: 2hours 45mins Ingredients: • 1 (14 ounces) package vanilla sandwich cookies • 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese (room temperature) • 2 tsp banana extract • ⅓ cup ripe banana (peeled and mashed) • 16 ounces milk chocolate candy coating (melted) • Dried banana chips (crushed) Directions: 1. In a food processor, pulse the sandwich cookies to a fine crumb consistency.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the banana extract until incorporated. 3. Beat in the mashed banana to combine. 4. Stir in the cookie crumbs. 5. Transfer to the freezer, covered, for approximately 2 hours, until firm. 6. Using clean hands, roll and shape the cookie-banana mixture into 48 (1”) balls. 7. Dip the balls first in the candy coating and arrange on baking sheets lined with waxed paper. 8. Scatter the banana chips over the top. 9. Transfer to the fridge, for approximately 30 minutes, until set. 10. Serve and enjoy.

Banana Split Brownies

Topped with Maraschino cherries and slices of fresh banana, these brownies are just like a traditional banana ice cream, minus the ice cream, of course! Servings: 24 Total Time: 1hour 20mins Ingredients: • 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate (chopped) • ¾ cup butter (cut into cubes) • 3 eggs (room temperature) • 2 cups sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup + 2 tbsp flour • 1 cup Maraschino cherries (chopped) Topping: • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) • ½ cup ripe banana (peeled and mashed)

• • • • •

⅓ cup strawberry preserves 1 large egg (room temperature and lightly beaten) ¼ cup salted peanuts (chopped) Banana (peeled, and sliced, to garnish) Maraschino cherries (to garnish)

Directions: 1. Preheat the main oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a microwave bowl, microwave the chocolate with the butter until melted and stir well, until silky smooth. 3. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, using an electric mixer set on high speed for 10 minutes. 4. Stir in the vanilla extract along with the chocolate mixture and gradually stir in the flour. 5. Fold in the maraschino cherries and spread evenly into a greased 13x9” baking pan. 6. For the topping: In a small size bowl, beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. 7. Beat in the mashed banana and strawberry preserves. 8. Add the egg and on low speed, beat until just blended. Spread over the brownie batter and scatter with chopped peanuts. 9. Bake until the topping is set and springy to the touch. This step will take 40-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire baking rack. 10. Slice into bars and serve topped with slices of banana and Maraschino cherries. 11. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Coconut Banana Cheesecake

Show off your culinary skills with this creamy coconut cheesecake. No one will guess that it is easy to make and ready from pan to plate in less than half an hour. Servings: 8 Total Time: 25mins Ingredients: • 1 cup peanuts (roasted, lightly salted) • 1½ tsp coconut oil • 1 cup coconut cream • 1 banana (peeled) • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup • ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips Directions:

1. Using parchment paper, line a 7” springform pan. 2. Next, prepare the crust: In a food processor, pulse the peanuts and coconut oil until crumbly. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. 3. Rinse out the processor, and on the pulse setting, process the coconut cream, banana, and maple syrup, until smooth and creamy. 4. Spread the coconut cream filling evenly over the peanut crust. 5. Scatter the chocolate chips over the filling. 6. Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge for a minimum of 10 minutes, until firm and set. 7. Remove from the pan and enjoy.

Crunchy Fried Bananas

Fried bananas in a crunching coating will have everyone coming back for more. Serve with coconut ice cream for the perfect sweet dessert to enjoy after a meal or as a treat. Servings: 4 Total Time: 40mins Ingredients: • 1 egg • ¼ cup coconut milk • Splash of sparkling water (chilled) • 2 tbsp cake flour • 8 tbsp cornflour (divided) • Pinch of salt • ¼ tsp baking soda • 2 tbsp brown sugar • 8 tbsp desiccated coconut

• • • •

3 firm, ripe bananas (peeled and halved) Groundnut oil (to fry) 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (to garnish) 3 scoops coconut ice cream (to serve)

Directions: 1. In a bowl, whisks the egg with the coconut milk and sparkling water until incorporated. 2. Sift the flour, 2 tablespoons of cornflour, salt, and baking soda into a bowl. 3. Next, sift in the sugar. 4. Add the wet to the dry ingredients to create a runny, smooth batter. 5. On a small plate, combine the remaining cornflour with the desiccated coconut. 6. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir well to create a runny, smooth batter. 7. Dip the halves of banana in the batter until evenly and well coated. 8. Next, roll the bananas in the coconut-cornflour mixture until evenly and well coated. 9. In a pan, heat the oil. 10. Fry the coated bananas on both sides until crunchy and golden. 11. Drain the bananas on kitchen paper towels, garnish with coconut flakes, and serve with a dollop of coconut ice cream.

Miso and Orange Baked Bananas

Miso and banana are an amazing combination and banana lovers won’t be able to get enough of this sweet and citrus dessert. Servings: 4 Total Time: 30mins Ingredients: • 1 tbsp white miso paste • 1 tbsp orange zest • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice • 2 tbsp runny honey • 4 bananas (peeled and split lengthwise) • 2 tbsp demerara sugar • 1 tbsp pine nuts • Ice cream (to serve) Directions: 1. Preheat the main oven to 355 degrees F.

2. In a bowl, combine the white miso paste with the orange zest, orange juice, and honey, stirring until silky smooth. 3. Arrange the split bananas closely together in a casserole dish. Pour the miso mixture over the top. 4. Scatter the sugar over the mixture along with the pine nuts. 5. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the bananas are browned lightly and softened. 6. Serve with ice cream and enjoy.

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

Take the stress out of an old fashioned banana cream pie with instant vanilla pudding mix. Servings: 8 Total Time: 15mins Ingredients: • 1 cup cold 2% milk • 1 (3¼ ounces) package instant vanilla pudding mix • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 1 (12 ounces) package frozen cool whipped topping (thawed and divided) • 1 (9”) store-bought graham cracker crust • 2 medium-size firm bananas (peeled and sliced) Directions: 1. In a bowl, whisk the milk with the vanilla pudding mix and vanilla extract for 2 minutes.

2. Fold in 3 cups of the whipped topping. 3. Pour 1⅓ cups of the vanilla pudding mixture into the graham cracker crust. 4. Layer with the slices of banana and remaining vanilla pudding mixture. 5. Top with the remaining whipped topping. 6. Transfer to the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Pumpkin Banana Ice

Enjoy a scoop of this soft-serve ice cream; it’s way better than any you can buy in a store. Servings: 4 Total Time: 8hours 12mins Ingredients: • 1 (15 ounces) can pumpkin puree • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ½ cup carrot juice • 6-8 Medjool dates (pitted) • 5-6 frozen bananas Directions: 1. In a food blender, process the pumpkin puree with the pumpkin pie spice, carrot juice, vanilla extract, and dates until silky smooth.

2. Transfer the mixture to a shallow pan and place in the freezer overnight. 3. The following day, break the pumpkin puree apart and add to a blender or process along with the frozen bananas. Blend until creamy and smooth. 4. East as soft-serve and enjoy.

Rum and Banana Tarte Tatin

Next time you plan a party or a large family gathering, prepare this boozy banana Tarte Tatin and serve with a dollop of cream or ice cream. Servings: 8-10 Total Time: 40mins Ingredients: • • • • • • •

1¾ ounces butter ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup cream 1 tbsp dark rum 4 bananas (peeled) 2 (6 ounces) sheets butter puff pastry Cream or ice cream (to serve, optional)

Directions: 1. Preheat the main oven to 425 degrees F. 2. In a small pan, melt the butter.

3. Add the sugar and cream to the butter and stir well until lump-free. 4. Add the dark rum and bring to boil. Remove the pan from the heat. 5. Slice the bananas diagonally into thick-cut slices. 6. Arrange the banana slices in the bottom of a 10” tart pan. 7. Pour the rum syrup over the bananas. 8. Cover the mixture with a sheet of pastry and slice strips from the second sheets of pastry to tuck around the edges and down the pan’s sides. 9. Using a fork, prick the pastry and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed. 10. With a knife, loosen the sides of the pastry and transfer to a plate. 11. Enjoy with a serving of cream or ice cream.

Spiced Tea and Banana Rice Pudding

Are you a fan of two British favorites, Earl Grey tea and rice pudding? If so, then combine them together and create this sweet pudding recipe. Servings: 6-8 Total Time: 20mins Ingredients: • 2 cups + 1 tbsp milk (divided) • 2 Earl Grey tea bags • 2 tbsp liquid honey • 2 star anise • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 cups quick-cook basmati rice • 4 bananas (peeled and divided) • 1 tbsp cornflour • Walnuts (chopped, to serve) Directions:

1. Add 2 cups of milk, Earl Grey tea bags, honey, star anise, cinnamon, and rice in a pan and over moderate heat, bring to boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer while stirring for 5-6 minutes. Remove the tea bags and star anise from the pan. 2. In a bowl, combine the cornflour with the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk, and add to the milk-rice mixture. Continue to cook, while frequently stirring until the mixture is creamy, for 2-3 minutes. Take the pan off the heat. 3. In the meantime, in a bowl, mash 2 bananas. Stir the mashed bananas into the rice pudding. 4. Slice the remaining bananas. 5. Serve the rice pudding warm, topped with sliced banana and a sprinkling of cinnamon. 6. Top with chopped walnuts and enjoy.

Beverages

Banana Cabana

Close your eyes, sit back, take one sip, and be transported to a sun-drenched beach. This drink is a true taste of the tropics. Servings: 2 Total Time: 4mins Ingredients: • 3 tbsp cream of coconut liqueur • ¼ cup Irish cream liqueur • 1 tbsp white rum • 1 very ripe banana (peeled) • 1½ cups crushed ice • Pinch of nutmeg (to garnish) • Banana slices (to garnish) Directions: 1. In a food blender, add the following Ingredients: coconut liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, white rum, banana, and crushed ice.

2. Process until lump-free, creamy, and smooth. 3. Pour the mixture into chilled serving glasses, garnish with a sprinkling of nutmeg, and a few banana slices.

Banana Milk Coffee

Warming and sweet, this coffee is the perfect beverage to enjoy when you wake up each morning. Servings: 2 Total Time: 5mins Ingredients: • 1 very ripe banana (peeled) • 1 tbsp sugar • 8½ ounces semi-skilled milk (divided) • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 6¾ ounces freshly brewed strong coffee (hot) Directions: 1. Mash the banana in a bowl along with the sugar until lump-free. 2. Add the mixture to a pan and cook over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the banana, hot. 3. A little at a time, add half of the milk until it begins to steam. Remove the

pan from the heat and stir in the ground cinnamon. 4. Pour the banana milk into a food blender and process until smooth while gradually adding the remaining milk. 5. Divide the hot, strong coffee into 2 mugs, and top with the banana milk. 6. Serve and enjoy.

Bananas Foster Thickshake

This creamy shake pays homage to the classic dessert created nearly 70 years ago in a famous New Orleans restaurant. Servings: 4 Total Time: 23mins Ingredients: • 7 ounces sugar • 3¾ ounces butter (cut into cubes) • 9 tbsp double cream • 2 semi-ripe bananas (peeled and cut into chunks) • 2 cups vanilla ice cream • 2 tbsp banana liqueur • 2 tbsp white rum Directions: 1. Over moderate heat, in a pan, melt the sugar until amber color. 2. Next, stir in the butter until melted. Take the pan off the heat and gradually

stir in the cream. 3. Pour half of the caramel into a bowl and put to one side. 4. Fold the bananas into the remaining caramel in the pan and return to moderate to high heat. Stir well to incorporate and cook for 2 minutes, until tender. Put aside and allow to cool slightly. 5. Add the ice cream along with the banana-caramel mixture, liqueur, and rum to a food blender and process on high, until smooth. 6. Drizzle the remaining caramel down the sides of goblet-style glasses. 7. Pour the bananas foster shake into the glasses and enjoy.

Coconut, Banana, and Salted Caramel Thick Shake

This thick shake goes way beyond a drink! It is a healthy cream beverage packed full of wholesome ingredients and is great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Servings: 1-2 Total Time: 2hours 8mins Ingredients: • ½ cup almonds (soaked and drained) • 1 banana (peeled and frozen) • Flesh and coconut water of 1 young coconut • Pinch of salt • 1 tsp maple syrup • A handful of ice cubes • 2 Medjool dates (pitted)

Directions: 1. In water, soak the almonds for 2-8 hours. 2. Add the ingredients (soaked and drained almonds, frozen banana, coconut flesh, and coconut water, salt, maple syrup, ice cubes, and dates to a food blender. Process until smooth, leaving a little bit of texture in the drink. 3. Serve in a chilled glass and enjoy.

Dirty Banana

This boozy beverage is hugely popular in the Caribbean. The coffee liqueur gives an earthy flavor to this sweet and creamy drink. Servings: 1 Total Time: 3mins Ingredients: • 1 medium banana (peeled and frozen) • 3¾ tbsp dark rum • 1⅛ tbsp coffee liqueur • 3¾ tbsp single cream • Ground allspice (to garnish) Directions: 1. Add the banana, rum, coffee liqueur to a food blender. 2. Add the cream and process until smooth. 3. Transfer to a chilled glass and garnish with allspice.

Espresso Banana Smoothie

Are you looking for a pick-me-up mid-afternoon? This delicious banana smoothie with a kick of espresso will tick all those boxes. Servings: 1 Total Time: 6mins Ingredients: • 8 ounces unsweetened almond milk • 2 tsp instant espresso powder • 1 banana (peeled) • 1 (5 ounces) tub vanilla Greek yogurt • 2 tsp runny honey • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp ground nutmeg • 1 cup ice cubes Directions: 1. Add the milk, espresso powder, banana, yogurt, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg,

and ice to a food blender, and on high, process for 30-60 seconds until smooth. You may need to add a drop more milk to thin out the consistency. If too thin, add more ice. 2. Serve and enjoy.

Frozen Banana Split Cocktail

A childhood banana split cocktail gets an adult makeover with chocolate and strawberry vodka. Enjoy! Servings: 2 Total Time: 5mins Ingredients: • 1½ ounces chocolate vodka • 1 ounce strawberry vodka • 1 banana (frozen, sliced) • ½ ounce fresh pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • ½ cup milk Directions: 1. Add the chocolate vodka, strawberry vodka, banana, pineapple juice, ice cream, and milk to a blender, and process until silky smooth.

2. Transfer to two chilled glass, garnish with chocolate sauce and cherry. 3. Serve and enjoy.

Party Punch

Tropical flavors combine with warm and spicy ginger ale to create a fruitinfused party punch. Servings: 25-30 Total Time: 6hours 20mins Ingredients: • 6 bananas (peeled and mashed) • 1 (12 ounces) can frozen concentrate orange juice • 1 (12 ounces) can frozen concentrate lemonade • 1 cup sugar • 7 cups water • 2-3 drops yellow food coloring (as needed) • 1-quart ginger ale (chilled) Directions: 1. In a large container, combine the mashed banana with the orange juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, sugar, water, and a few drops of food

coloring, as needed. Stir well to incorporate. 2. In batches, blend until silky smooth. 3. Transfer to a large plastic container with a cover. 4. When all the ingredients are blended, place the container in the freezer, and freeze. 5. Approximately 2-3 hours before needed to serve, remove the punch from the freezer to thaw. 6. Place the banana mixture in a suitable serving bowl and pour in the ginger ale to fill. 7. Serve the punch, slushy.

Spicy Kiwi Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is packed with vitamin-C, potassium, and fiber, and it's not only delicious, but it's also good for you! Servings: 1 Total Time: 4mins Ingredients: • 3 kiwi fruits (skinned, top and bottom chopped off) • 2 bananas (peeled) • 1 thumb fresh ginger (peeled and grated) • 4 tbsp porridge oats • ¾ cup nut milk (of choice) • ¾ cup low-fat plain yogurt • 1 tsp runny honey (to sweeten) Directions: 1. Add the kiwi, bananas, ginger, porridge oats, milk, and yogurt to a food blender. Process until smooth, sweeten to taste with honey, and enjoy.

Sweet Dreams Banana Peel Tea

Is the world situation keeping you awake at night? If it is, then look no further than this banana peel tea. It’s calming and beneficial for improving sleep. Sweet dreams! Servings: 1 Total Time: 12mins Ingredients: • 1 ripe banana skin (ends chopped off) • 1 cup boiling water • A drizzle of maple syrup (to sweeten) • Milk (as needed) Directions: 1. Add the banana peel to a pot and pour in sufficient boiling water to cover. 2. Bring to boil and allow the peel to soften for approximately 10 minutes. 3. Strain the water into a mug, drizzle with maple syrup, or a splash of milk.

Author's Afterthoughts

I would like to express my deepest thanks to you, the reader, for making this investment in one my books. I cherish the thought of bringing the love of cooking into your home. With so much choice out there, I am grateful you decided to Purch this book and read it from beginning to end. Please let me know by submitting an Amazon review if you enjoyed this book and found it contained valuable information to help you in your culinary endeavors. Please take a few minutes to express your opinion freely and honestly. This will help others make an informed decision on purchasing and provide me with valuable feedback. Thank you for taking the time to review! Christina Tosch

About the Author Christina Tosch is a successful chef and renowned cookbook author from Long Grove, Illinois. She majored in Liberal Arts at Trinity International University and decided to pursue her passion of cooking when she applied to the world renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris, France. The school was lucky to recognize the immense talent of this chef and she excelled in her courses, particularly Haute Cuisine. This skill was recognized and rewarded by several highly regarded Chicago restaurants, where she was offered the prestigious position of head chef. Christina and her family live in a spacious home in the Chicago area and she loves to grow her own vegetables and herbs in the garden she lovingly cultivates on her sprawling estate. Her and her husband have two beautiful children, 3 cats, 2 dogs and a parakeet they call Jasper. When Christina is not hard at work creating beautiful meals for Chicago’s elite, she is hard at work writing engaging e-books of which she has sold over 1500. Make sure to keep an eye out for her latest books that offer helpful tips, clear instructions and witty anecdotes that will bring a smile to your face as you read!