Caramelized Bananas w/ whipped cream

My Grandma is amazing and every few months she comes to stay with my parents. I spent some time with her a few nights ago, listening to Lawrence Welk, showing her Real Simple magazine, talking about what her life has been like, and laughing and eating dinner together. I have her to blame for my sweet tooth - after every meal she wants something sweet. Since I was little I remember finding hidden Kit Kat wrappers in drawers and bookshelves and opened candy bars from a midnight run to the kitchen. Now that we are both older I have taken it upon myself to not deny her sweet tooth. She always talks about watching her weight and not eating so many sweets, but I always tell her, NO Grandma, that is for ME to do. You get to eat whatever you please from now until the rest of your life (and she understands what I mean. She may not have that much longer to be watching her weight - so indulge). Another trick I have up my sleeve is spiking her afternoon coffee with a little hazelnut liqeuer. I know, I know. She has never taken a sip of alcohol in her life (to her knowledge) but she always tells me, this is the BEST cup of coffee I have ever had. How did you know how I liked it?

So the other night the house was void of sweets. Mom had a few melted/refrigerated Rolex chocolates that I brought her from the Masters but I didn't think that would do the trick for Granny. So I scoured the pantry and all I could find were bananas, so I whipped out the saute pan, some flour, some vanilla and some butter, and made caramelized bananas served with whipped cream on the side (pre-made whipped cream. But I did beat my own whipped cream by hand at work the other night). Grandma LOVED it as a change-up in her daily desserts. If you are lacking sweets around the house, just grab a banana from your fruit basket (or other fruit - sliced apple works well, I would like to try a peach).

Caramelized Bananas

Cut banana in half horizontally - then cut 2-3 vertical pieces out of each half
Dredge banana pieces in flour
Heat butter on high, add a splash of vanilla
Brown bananas on each side until caramelized and crunchy (the sugars in the banana are sufficient for caramelizing)

Serve pieces of caramelized banana with (preferably fresh) whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle.

bon appetit

Mmm, Chocolate-Caramel Cookie Sandwiches!

I found this recipe on Culinary in the Country - wanted to make it for a Christmas party but did not have enough time. This recipe is amazing! Homemade caramel frosting sandwiched between two homemade chocolate espresso cookies. AND- they're miniature! Cute, baby cookie sandwiches, just my style. I will post pics when I get this roll developed. Only downside of shooting on film is the long turnaround time, but it's worth it

For the caramel (frosting base):
1 c sugar *In saucepan over medium high heat, heat sugar until it melts. Melt all the way down, push to the center of the pan then whisk in remaining ingredients
6 T cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 t salt
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 c heavy cream *Whisk all ingredients well, take off heat, put in glass mixing bowl or other heat-proof container and refrigerate to cool

For the cookies:
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour (I used half whole-wheat, half unbleached white)
1/2 c Cocoa powder
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 1/4 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 1/3 c granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 t espresso powder
1 t vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients. In separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. In a little bowl, mix egg yolk, espresso powder and vanilla. Mix into butter/sugar mixture. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing in until dough is a crumbly dough.

Spoon out dough in increments of level teaspoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes until cookies are puffy and cracked. Take out, bang sheet on counter to flatten cookies and set cookies on cooling racks to dry.

For the Frosting:
1/4 c prepared caramel sauce
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c confectioners sugar

In mixing bowl, beat caramel and butter, gradually beat in confectioners sugar. Spread frosting on cookies and sandwich! YUM!