My name is Irina and I am a Banana-holic. No, really, I could probably have a banana a day, if not more. Besides apples, it's the fruit that I have most often and that I could also have with pretty much every single meal. That's why I'm SO happy that today is Banana Lovers Day because, well, we have to unite! I mean, seriously, is there a better Latin fruit? No, I don't think there is.
Since today is such a happy day (I'm eating a banana as I write this, obviously), I'm celebrating my sharing some of my favorite banana recipes. And to prove that bananas can be eaten just about any time of day, I'm including just that! Here are our 5 favorite banana recipes, including one for breakfast, one for a kid-friendly snack, one as a __side dis__h, one as a cocktail (YUM!) and one for dessert. Plus, there's a little bonus at the end… Check them out!
Read more ¿Que Mas? 6 Fruity Latin drinks to end your summer right! (RECIPES)
What is your favorite banana recipe? Share with us in the comments below!
Breakfast: Slow Cooker Coconut Banana Oatmeal
Ingredients: 3 very ripe bananas, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 cup steel cut oats, 1 can (13.5 oz.) of coconut milk, 1 bottle (11.1 oz.) of coconut water, 1 cup water, dash of coconut flakes
Directions:
Combine bananas and sugar in slow cooker, mix thoroughly until bananas are fully mashed. Pour in the oats, coconut milk, coconut water and plain water. Mix well and set the slow cooker for 7 hours on low, overnight. In the morning, enjoy with your whole family!
Recipe courtesy of Irina Gonzalez/Family Circle.
Snack: PB&J Banana Burritos
What a cool idea! If you and your kids are tired of regular peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, then why not add a banana? And to take it even further, why not just make it into a sweet little burrito?! I really love this and I think it's going to be a sure-fire hit with pretty much everyone in the family.
Find the full recipe on Mission Menu US.
Side Dish: Guineitos Fritos con Queso, a.k.a. fried dessert bananas with cheese
Ingredients: 6 small ripe dessert bananas (baby bananas, red bananas, pineapple bananas, etc.), 4 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Directions: Peel the bananas and cut in half cross wise. Cut the crosswise pieces in half lengthwise. Melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the banana pieces for about two minutes per side. They should be golden, not burned. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
recipe courtesy of Latin Food/About.com
Cocktail: Banana Split Leite de Onça
Ingredients: 2 oz. CachaçaLiqueur, 2 oz. Milk, 1 oz. Cocoa Liqueur, 1 oz. Strawberry Liqueur, 1 oz. Banana Liqueur, 1 oz. Pineapple Liqueur, 2 oz. Condensed Milk, 1 tsp of Chocolate Syrup, 1 tsp of Grenadine, 1 Scoop of Ice Cream
Directions:
Before combining the ingredients, you wanna prepare everything individually in equal parts, excluding the cachaça liqueur, milk, and condensed milk. This would include: the cocoa, strawberry, banana, pineapple, grenadine, followed by the chocolate syrup and ice cream. After you have combined the ingredients, simply add the cachaça liqueur, milk, and condensed milk. In a practical sense, you should use a blender to blend this drink. Once you have finished, serve in a chilled, mug glass, on the rocks. Top the entire glass with whipped cream and serve with a maraschino cherry.
Recipe courtesy of Yahoo! Voices
Dessert: Banana Pudding Pops
Ingredients: 1/3-1/2 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, Pinch of salt, 2 cups low-fat milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 cups diced bananas, (about 2 large)
Directions: Whisk sugar to taste, cornstarch and salt in a large saucepan. Add milk and whisk until combined. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Boil, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Put about half the pudding in a food processor or blender and add bananas. Process until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir the mixture back into the remaining pudding. Divide the mixture among freezer-pop molds. Insert the sticks and freeze until completely firm, about 6 hours. Dip the molds briefly in hot water before unmolding.
Recipe courtesy of Eating Well.
Bonus: Soothing Banana Mask
From Vicglamar Torres:Take half of a very ripe banana, put it in a blender and spread it on your face as a mask. Keep on for 5-30 minutes, as needed, for soft skin. This one is great for when you are feeling really tired and need a pick-me-up.
