I LOVE bananas! Just perfectly ripe with some peanut butter and toast, or frozen dipped in dark chocolate, or a classic banana split, or just plain jane banana. Bananas provide us with so many good things: potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C and so many more! Bananas are a delicious addition to breakfast or a perfect on-the-go snack.
Background:
I grew up cooking with my mom, Pam. She, along with Rachel Ray, taught me all the basics in the kitchen. At a very young age, I learned how to chop, mince, sauté, and so many other fun kitchen things. I loved to experiment with different ingredients and recipes. My mom suffered from gluten and dairy intolerance, so I got used to learning healthy substitutes that she could eat too. That journey led me to become very interested in nutrition and healthy eating. I am currently majoring in Dietetics and Nutrition at my college, so I'm always looking to make things healthier for people WITHOUT sacrificing the taste.
Being a freshman on campus and not being able to cook has been really hard for me, especially since I LOVE to cook and experiment in the kitchen.
Inspiration:
I was home this past weekend for my sister's birthday. I was happy to be home and see my family and pets, but also excited to get back to cooking and preparing my own food.
My sister wanted a classic ice cream cake. My mom went ahead and ordered it, but I wanted a healthy and yummy alternative to that dessert (being a nutrition major.) After coming across a banana split on social media, (Sweetberries Frozen Custard & Eatery's picture) I was inspired to make one myself -- but put my own spin on it!
The Dilemma:
With the classic banana split sundae, it is a banana with a scoop of strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice cream. It is usually topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries and chopped peanut/walnuts. It tastes so good, but i can be a hefty load of sugar, fat, and calories to have for dessert. As such, I was committed to making a healthier and tastier version for my sister's birthday.
Things you'll need to make the best banana split ever:
- Base:
*1 banana, cut in half lengthwise
- Toppings:
Fruit:
*Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.
Crunch:
*Your favorite kind of granola, I used apple cinnamon flavor
* Mini Dark Chocolate Chips and Cacao nibs
* Unsweetened coconut flakes
Extra:
* Your favorite flavor of ice cream -- I used coconut chocolate (homemade by my mama, but this kind is good too)
* Whipped cream -- I used coconut milk whipped cream
The thing I love about banana splits is that you can put whatever topping you want on it. Listed above are just some ideas/guidelines for the one I made. Another cool thing is if you set out a bundle of bananas, bowls, and all of the toppings (thus making a fun banana split bar,) your guests can add what toppings they like and leave the rest. Everyone gets the best of both worlds!
A banana split where you can enjoy seconds or even thirds for dessert? Count me in!
