Frosted Banana Cookies

Here for your consideration is yet another way

to use up those bananas that are sitting on your counter!

The cookies, while they are tasty - are elevated to another level

with the browned butter frosting.

I'd never made browned butter frosting before,

but I LOVE BUTTER. So how could I go wrong?

It is fantastic.

Frosted Banana Cookies:

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. white sugar

2 eggs

1 c. mashed banana's

1/2 c. evaporated milk

1 t. vanilla extract

1 t. distilled white vinegar

3 c. flour

1 1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. walnuts (optional)

Mix together the first 8 ingredients until light and creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix until it comes together.

Chill for 1 hour.

Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes.

Let cool then frost.

Browned Butter Frosting:

1/2 c. butter

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1/4 c. heavy whipping cream

1 t. vanilla extract

Place stick of butter in a small saucepan and set it over low heat. It is best to not use non-stick or a dark coated pan in this step because it will be difficult to tell when the butter has turned brown. Let the butter melt over low heat and turn a caramel color, about 15 minutes. Watch carefully so the butter doesn't burn. Once it has turned a nice medium brown color, remove from the heat. Pour the butter into a medium bowl. Immediately add the powdered sugar, whipping cream and vanilla. Mix well with electric mixer until the frosting is smooth and thick.

Bon Appetit!

P.S. I did try some with a whipped chocolate frosting, but I fell so deeply in love with the Browned Butter Frosting that the chocolate didn't even appeal to me. You may enjoy chocolate though.

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

If your house is anything like mine - you've got lots of banana's in need of use.

I make banana bread on a regular basis, along with banana muffins and smoothies...ho hum.

This recipe is a breath of fresh air for my

freezer full of bananas!

Since it incorporates a fruit, I consider it healthier than say, chocolate cake.

Add some cream cheese frosting and it is over the top!

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Banana Bars:
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. sour cream
2 t. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 c. or 4 ripe bananas

1 (16 oz) container cream cheese frosting, or homemade cream cheese frosting

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan (mine was 13x17 and worked just fine.)
In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and eggs. Add the sour cream, bananas and vanilla. When incorporated, add the flour, baking soda and salt.
Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20-25 mins until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
Cut and enjoy!

***Chef's Note: I am always amazed at how many people don't know that you can freeze your over-ripe bananas. They work perfectly for banana bread, muffins, smoothies and this cake! I won't lie...they are ugly, but you can thaw them in the microwave and use them in any recipe calling for ripe bananas:)

Bon Appetit!

Banana S'more Sandwich

I cannot tell a lie.

This is NOT the picture I took.

My picture didn't make me want to make this again...

But...my kids saying, "you're the BEST Mom ever!" did.

I found this recipe in the Harmon's recipe flyer - I rationalized it's "health" benefits with the addition of banana's to the traditional s'more sandwich.

Give it a shot - your kids will love ya for it:)

****

Banana S'more Sandwich:

Serves 4

8 slices of bread - your choice, I used our homemade whole wheat bread

2 T. butter, softened

4 T. Nutella spread (this was my addition because we didn't have chocolate bars laying around)

***2 chocolate candy bars***this is what the actual recipe called for in place of the Nutella

12 large marshmallows - cut in half

2 large bananas - sliced

Heat a griddle or skillet. Place 1/2 T. butter in pan. Spread each slice of bread with Nutella (or break up chocolate bars evenly over bread.) Do the same with the marshmallows and banana slices. Grill until the bread browns and the marshmallow starts to melt. Flip over and grill other side.

Cut in half and enjoy!

Bon Appetit!