We had a Curious George themed birthday party for Mr. Little V (find the details here) and of course bananas had to make an appearance. Now, if you are not familiar with Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas, you are missing something in life. I am not a huge fan of bananas and only consume them because they are good for you and are a great source of potassium. That is pretty much it…we (me and banana) are not exactly in a mushy relationship, no pun intended. But Gone Bananas are literally that – you go bananas over these bananas…you get the point right? I am sorry…Trader Joe’s Gone Bananas are made with kluai hom bananas from Thailand and Belgian dark chocolate.
If you live in a small college town with no Trader Joe’s store in a 100 mile radius, you become a copycat and make this recipe. This copycat recipe is super simple, just 3 ingredients and comes together rather quickly, though there is some wait involved. Here goes the run down:
Ingredients:
Bananas – 2, sliced into ½ inch thick slices
Good quality dark chocolate chips – 2 cups
Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoon
Method:
Layer a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the banana slices on the cookie sheet and put the tray in the freezer until the bananas are frozen, about an hour.
In a glass or ceramic bowl, put the chocolate chips and the butter. Microwave the chocolate chips and butter for 30 seconds and then stir. Keep microwaving and stirring (with a rubber or silicone spatula) in 10 second bursts until all the chocolate is melted and smooth. Let it cool.
Once the bananas are frozen, take them out of the freezer. Take one banana slice at a time and dip it into the cooled chocolate to completely coat it. Set each slice carefully back on the cookie sheet. Repeat until all the slices are coated with chocolate. Put the slices back in the freezer for another hour for the chocolate to harden and set. Serve frozen.
Love – Vaishali
Notes:
Do not overheat the chocolate, otherwise it might cease or dry up. If that happens, add a few drops of very hot water until the chocolate is smooth and shiny again.
Serve frozen or at least super-chilled. If not frozen, the bananas become mushy and the chocolate coins do not taste good. Please do not ask how I know that.
Use coconut oil instead of butter to make this dish healthier and vegan.
Tools used:
Cookie sheet
Knife and chopping board
Glass bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Djebe
chocolate and banana is a great combo and one the kiddos would love love love
Blake Ancell
These look so delicious! Yum!
Anagha
That's an interesting recipe with few ingredients. Kids would love to have it.