I Like Bananas…

I try to buy the greenist bananas I can find at the store but it still seems like some of them turn brown before I am able to eat them.  I have been making banana bread for years with the less desireable ones.  But I got to wondering what I could do if I froze the bananas before they turn brown.  Here are some tips:

Bananas that cannot be used immediately can be frozen.  There are two ways to do this.

1)  Bananas to be used in a frozen state, peel and freeze whole or sliced in a bag. 
2)  Bananas to be used in a squisky state: Place them directly in the freezer without peeling or putting in a bag.  To use, thaw completely then cut off the tip and goosh the liquidy banana out.  Sounds gross, but there is no mashing needed!

Recipes for Frozen Bananas

Banana Milkshake

3 frozen bananas
4 cups of milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
6 crushed ice cubes

Mix all in a blender and enjoy! 

Banana Popsicles

Use the recipe above but use thawed bananas.  Add a little yellow food coloring and blend.  Pour into molds and freeze.

Recipes for Thawed Bananas

Fruit Salad Dressing

1 soft banana
1 Tbl lemon juice
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbl milk powder
1/4 cup water

This is a variation of banana and peanut butter sandwiches, just whip this up and put it on your bread.  If your kids love banana and peanut butter sandwhiches you can whip this up over the weekend and be set for the school week.

Banana Toast

1 limp banana
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
Bread

Mix first 3 ingredients then dip bread into the mixture.  Fry on both sides in oiled pan.  Service with fruit or syrup.