Culinary Confessional

Buttermilk Banana Waffles 1 cup flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice Powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1-1/4 cups buttermilk 1 large egg 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup whipped cream (optional) Non-stick cooking spray In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, Chinese 5 Spice, and salt together, mixing well. In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter and whisk until well blended. Place half of the sliced bananas in a small bowl and mash with a fork.  Then add the mashed banana to the buttermilk mixture.  Stir, then add that to the flour mixture.  Mix until batter is smooth. Preheat a waffle iron and lightly coat with the non-stick spray.  Ladle some of the batter into iron and bake until golden brown and cooked through.  Transfer to plate and keep warm with tinfoil as the remaining waffles cook. Warm the maple syrup and remaining banana slices over medium-low heat.  Pour over the waffles and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Approximate Nutritional Values:  http://www.food.com/recipe/banana-cinnamon-waffles-380286

Fried Bananas 4-6 medium bananas 6 tbsp flour 2 tbsp sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup coconut milk 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup confectioners sugar Peanut oil for frying Mix together the flour, sugar, egg, coconut milk, and salt until smooth.  Set aside for at least an hour. Heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Slice bananas in half, lengthwise, then into 3” wide pieces.  Then dip the bananas into the batter and gently place in the oil.  Fry for about 1 minute, or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel, then place on a serving platter.  Dust with the confectioners sugar and serve warm. Approximate Nutritional Values:  http://www.food.com/recipe/fried-bananas-112649

Domestic Goddess Cake

Cook time:

30 Min

  Difficulty:

  Prep time:

1 Hr 30 Min

  Serves:

8-10

INGREDIENTS

CAKE:

- 18 1/4 oz white or yellow cake mix

- 2 c melted butter pecan ice cream (measure melted not

frozen)

- 3 lg eggs

FILLING:

- 8 oz neufchatal cream cheese, softened (light cream

cheese)

- 1/2 c powdered sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

BANANA FOSTER FILLING:

- 1/2 c packed light brown sugar

- 3 Tbsp butter (no substitutions)

- 1 1/2 c finely chopped firm right bananas (about 2

large)

- 1/4 c pecans, chopped

- 1/2 tsp rum extract

- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

CARAMEL FROSTING:

- 1 c butter, room temp.

- 3 1/2 c powdered sugar

- 1/3 c packed brown sugar

- 1 1/2 tsp water

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

OPTIONAL:

- 1 c heavy whipping cream

- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

- pecans, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray to round cake pans with nonstick spray. Set aside.

2.   For Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted ice cream and eggs on medium speed for 3 minutes. Pour into prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do NOT over bake! Remove and allow to cool completely. Trim and level cakes as necessary.

3.   For Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over top of bottom cake layer. (I prefer a thin layer but use as much as you like.) Now prepare frosting before the Banana Foster filling. You may wish to also prepare whipped cream topping and place in fridge until needed.

4.   Caramel Frosting: In a mixing bowl, cream margarine (or butter) using a mixer. Slowly add in powdered sugar a little at a time until smooth and creamy. In a small separate bowl, microwave brown sugar and water 30-60 seconds, stirring once, just until the sugar is dissolved and mixture is bubbling. (You don't want it gritty!) Let stand for a few minutes to cool. Pour into margarine mixture and beat on high speed. Beat in vanilla until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth. Set aside.

5.   Whipped Topping: (if desired) Preferably in a chilled mixing bowl with chilled beaters, beat whipping cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until needed.

6.   Banana Foster Filling: Melt butter in skillet over med-high heat. Stir in brown sugar. Add remaining ingredients and continue to stir until caramelized and sugar is well dissolved. Cool slightly. Pour half the mixture over cream

Happy July 4th!