Caramelized Bananas
(Culinary.net) Satisfying your craving for dessert just got a lot easier. These Caramelized Bananas are a delicious combination of crunchy caramel on the outside and soft bananas on the inside. Just a few ingredients perfectly paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream equals a flavorful treat.
Find more easy dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Caramelized Bananas
- Butter, for melting in pan
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- vanilla ice cream (optional)
- In medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Slice bananas evenly into 1/2-inch-thick coins. Once skillet is hot, add banana slices.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon, pour in maple syrup and toss gently to coat both sides. Cook bananas 4 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from heat and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips: Be sure bananas are not overly ripe. Green tinge is preferred as bananas will hold up better to heat. Sugar burns quickly watch closely when caramelizing.
Power Family Favorites with Peanut Protein
(Family Features) Soaking up some sun and sharing a meal with family and friends brings people together, especially when favorite recipes are on the table. Whether there’s a cause for celebration or a gathering of loved ones is simply overdue, serving up delicious dishes is a sure bet to get everyone involved.
These flavorful Mexinut Dip, Beef and Peanut Empanadas with Chimichurri, Asian Peanut Slaw and Peanut Butter Banana Pops recipes are ideal for the whole family. Starting with a spicy dip best paired with corn chips or crackers, hungry guests can work their way up to the main course of savory empanadas served alongside a tangy Asian slaw. Finally, kids and adults alike can cap off the celebration with a sweet, fruity dessert.
Leaning into a versatile ingredient like peanuts, which make all these dishes possible, can take your gatherings to the next level. They complement a wide range of recipes from appetizers and snacks to main courses and desserts.
Plus, they contain 26% protein and fulfill approximately 30% of a 4-6-year-old’s and 26% of a 7-10-year-old’s recommended daily allowance per serving, making them a kid-favorite source of energy. They contain six essential vitamins – vitamin E, folate, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6 – and seven essential minerals – phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and calcium.
Often referred to as “nutrition in a nutshell,” there’s a good chance your peanut supply came from the United States’ leading grower: Georgia. With approximately 4,000 active peanut farmers, the state produces 52% of the country’s peanuts.
To find more family-friendly recipe ideas powered by peanuts, visit GAPeanuts.com.
Mexinut Dip
Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 4 cup
- 1 can (11 1/2 ounces) condensed bean with bacon soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) tomatoes and green chiles
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon hot chili powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- corn chips or crackers
- In 2-quart microwave-safe container, combine soup, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and green chiles, onion, chili powder and peanut butter. Cover with glass or plastic lid.
- Microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes; stir. Microwave 2 1/2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Stir before serving with corn chips or crackers.
Beef and Peanut Empanadas with Chimichurri
Recipe courtesy of "Set the Table" on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 30-40 small empanadas
Spicy Beef and Peanut Empanadas:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup raw Georgia Peanuts
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon water, plus additional for sealing dough
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 packages pie crust
- 1 egg white, in small bowl
Chimichurri:
- 1/3 cup flat leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- To make spicy beef and peanut empanadas: In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, red pepper flakes, garlic, raisins, peanuts and jalapenos. Cook until onion and garlic are soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon water. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; transfer filling to large bowl and cool.
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Unroll pie crusts on lightly floured work surface. Using round cutter at least 3 inches in diameter, cut out rounds.
- Using rolling pin, roll out edges of each circle, leaving center of circle at its original thickness.
- Holding one round of dough in palm of hand, scoop about 1 tablespoon filling into center. Using fingertip, line edge of dough with water, fold into half moon shape and pinch to seal. For extra ease, use fork.
- Place filled empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg white.
- Bake 20-25 minutes on upper rack.
- To make chimichurri: In blender or food processor, pulse parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes and olive oil 2-3 times. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve in small bowl for dipping.
Asian Peanut Slaw
Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
- 1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
- 1 bag (16 ounces) three-colored deli slaw mix
- chow mein noodles
- Drain juice from mandarin oranges into mixing bowl and reserve oranges.
- In bowl with juice, add dressing, peanut butter and red pepper; whisk until well blended. Add peanuts, oranges and coleslaw mix; toss until thoroughly coated.
- Garnish with chow mein noodles before serving.
Peanut Butter Banana Pops
Recipe courtesy of registered dietitian Annessa Chumbley on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission
Yield: 8 pops
- Craft sticks
- 4 firm, ripe bananas, peeled and halved crosswise
- 1 cup melted chocolate wafers
- 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts
Toppings:
- unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- chopped dried pineapple (optional)
- chopped dried strawberries (optional)
- melted peanut butter chips (optional)
- Insert one craft stick into each banana half. Place eight banana pops in single layer on small tray covered with parchment paper. Place tray in freezer at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Pour melted chocolate into bowl. Dip each frozen banana into bowl, turning to coat. Lay chocolate-covered bananas back on parchment paper. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Sprinkle with coconut flakes, pineapple and strawberries, if desired. Drizzle with melted peanut butter chips, if desired.
Source: Georgia Peanut Commission
Make Mornings a Breeze with Time-Saving Breakfasts
(Family Features) Mornings can be hectic enough with wake-up calls, preparing for work, getting the kids ready and so many other daily tasks. Add in the need (or desire, at least) for a nutritious breakfast, and starting a new day can feel downright exhausting.
Make your mornings easier with delicious, better-for-you meals you can make ahead of time using simple ingredients like Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa, which offers a heat-safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved bag and is easily prepared in just 10 minutes. You don’t have to know how to pronounce quinoa to enjoy its light, nutty flavor packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids.
As a good source of fiber, it’s a perfect solution composed of a medley of red, black and white quinoa that can make these Ham, Cheese and Zucchini Breakfast Cups a breeze. They’re an ideal on-the-go solution for weekday breakfast bites that fit your busy schedule.
Cook up a batch as part of your Sunday meal prep and enjoy a week’s worth of tasty, simple cups for the entire family. Once the combination of green onions, cheddar, ham, quinoa and more have been cooked and cooled, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
For a creamier, fruity, dairy-free option, these Quinoa Overnight Oats make for a satisfying breakfast you can grab from the fridge and take to the office. Loaded with whole grains, bananas, blueberries and pomegranate, they’ll provide the energy you need to get through the day while saving time in the morning.
These tasty treats can also last up to 1 week in the refrigerator, but remember to wait to add any crunchy toppings, honey or syrup until you’re ready to enjoy so those favorite ingredients stay fresh longer. Another pro tip: Once you’re done preparing your sweet, nutritious breakfast for the week ahead, divide evenly into four resealable to-go containers to make weekday mornings as easy as possible.
To find more weekday morning solutions using easy-to-make whole grains, visit SuccessRice.com.
Ham, Cheese and Zucchini Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12
- 1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup egg white
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Coat 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- In large bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, shredded zucchini, diced ham, eggs, egg white, sliced green onion, salt and black pepper. Mix well. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tin.
- Bake 25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool completely.
Quinoa Overnight Oats
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 bag Success Tri-Color Quinoa
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 cup quick-rolled oats
- 2 bananas, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Let cool completely.
- In large bowl, combine almond milk, oats, bananas and cinnamon. Stir in quinoa and blueberries.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Divide among four serving bowls and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Tips: For added sweetness, drizzle with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup, to taste. For a grab-and-go breakfast, combine overnight oats mixture and divide in resealable, single-serving jars or containers. Seal and refrigerate overnight.
Source: Success Rice
Bring Brunch Favorites to the Table
(Family Features) Few things go together like the weekend and brunch. Whether that means gathering with family, friends or a combination of both, it’s the perfect time to slow down and bring your loved ones together for a lighthearted meal.
Catering to a variety of different palates requires a diverse menu of dishes ranging from fresh fruit and baked goods to proteins and more. A key ingredient to bring any spread together: Envy apples, which are a natural cross between Braeburn and Royal Gala apples.
With their beautifully balanced sweetness, uplifting fresh aroma, delightfully satisfying crunch and bright red skin that sometimes features a golden blush, they can be served fresh or paired with other brunch favorites in shareable dishes like the Brunch Board with a Twist. Plus, their naturally white flesh doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples, making them easy to savor while enjoying time with loved ones.
Find sweet brunch recipe inspiration at EnvyApple.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Brunch Board with a Twist
- 2 Envy Apples, sliced
- boiled eggs, halved
- cooked bacon
- bananas, sliced
- berries
- miniature pancakes
- edible flowers, for garnish
- 2-3 Envy Apples, for garnish
- On breakfast platter, artfully arrange sliced apple, halved boiled eggs, bacon, bananas, berries and pancakes
- Garnish with edible flowers and whole apples.
Source: Envy Apples
Bacon Banana Bread
(Family Features) Warmer spring weather makes the season a perfect time for families to enjoy brunch together. From classic combinations like bacon and eggs to more extravagant offerings, a brunch spread offers a blank canvas for creativity and opportunities to enjoy your loved ones’ favorite morning noshes.
For your next brunch celebration, whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to spend time together, consider adding what may become a new family favorite to the menu. This Bacon Banana Bread combines two morning meal classics in one easy-to-enjoy bite.
Plus, it’s made using Coleman Natural Bacon so you can feel confident you’re feeding your family all-natural pork sourced from American Humane Certified family farmers who raise their animals the way nature intended – 100% crate-free without antibiotics or added hormones. The preparation is simple (just 10 minutes in the kitchen) so you can put this dish together and catch up with loved ones while baking a sweet and savory snack.
For more brunch recipe ideas, visit ColemanNatural.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Bacon Banana Bread
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 70-80 minutes
Servings: 6-8
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 medium bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 slices Coleman Natural Bacon, cooked and cut into 1/4-1/2-inch pieces
- Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. In separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add banana mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- In small bowl, toss bacon and remaining flour until bacon is lightly coated.
- Fold flour-coated bacon into batter. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 70-80 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan on wire rack 20 minutes before inverting bread onto wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut and serve.
Source: Coleman Natural Foods
A Fun, Fruity, Refrigerated Treat
(Family Features) Save time on family desserts with make-ahead recipes like these Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes. By using kid-friendly treats that add nutrition to appealing flavor, you can solve busy evenings just by reaching into the fridge. This and other family-friendly recipes are part of Dole’s healthy-living alliance with Disney’s Frozen 2.
For details, visit dole.com/Disney. #Dole #DoleRecipes
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Kristoff Ice Box Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 minutes, plus chill time
Serves: 12
- 3 ripe DOLE® Bananas
- 1 container (8 ounces) fat-free whipped topping, thawed
- 7 low-fat honey graham crackers, coarsely crushed
- 1 pound Dole Strawberries, hulled and quartered
- Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In large bowl, mash bananas; fold in whipped topping.
- Fill muffin cups halfway with graham cracker pieces, banana mixture and strawberries; repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Refrigerate cupcakes 4 hours; serve in cupcake liners.
Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 cupcake): 78 calories; 3 calories from fat; 0 g fat; 0 g trans fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat; 0 g monounsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 164 mg potassium; 18 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 1 g protein; vitamin A 0%; vitamin C 25%; calcium 2%; iron 2%; vitamin E 2%; thiamin 2%; vitamin B6 8%; phosphorus 2%; magnesium 4%; manganese 10%.
Source: Dole/Disney
Fruity Yogurt French Toast Wraps
Add fruit to your breakfast with this take on French toast, which includes a mixture of berries, bananas and vanilla yogurt wrapped in tortillas and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Fruity Yogurt French Toast Wraps
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced, plus additional for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup bananas, sliced
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6-8 tortillas
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 4-6 teaspoons powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
- In medium bowl, combine blueberries, strawberries, bananas, yogurt and granola. Mix well and set aside.
- Using pie plate, crack egg and whisk. Add milk, cinnamon and nutmeg; whisk until combined.
- Coat both sides of tortillas in egg mixture.
- In skillet, melt butter. Place coated tortillas one at a time in pan and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Move to plate.
- Spoon yogurt mixture into center of tortillas. Fold edges over to form wraps.
- Dust each with powdered sugar and top with additional strawberry slices, if desired.
Frosted Banana Cake
(Culinary.net) If you need a recipe idea for your ripened bananas, try this Frosted Banana Cake recipe. A moist but not overly sweet cake bursting with banana flavor paired with a cream cheese frosting may be your new favorite.
Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Frosted Banana Cake
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Heat oven to 350° F.
- Peel, slice and mash ripened bananas; set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla; blend well. Gradually add in flour. Stir in bananas. Add baking soda and salt; mix well.
- Pour batter into baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Let cool.
- To make frosting: In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Frost cake. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Grill Up a Great Father's Day
(Family Features) Moms and kids can make Father's Day exciting this year by making Dad some great tasting treats from the heart.
Not only will it keep spending in check, the results will taste delicious and kids will have fun being part of the action.
Start by serving Dad breakfast in bed. Try a Kiwifruit Potassium Power Smoothie, an all-natural smoothie that is a meal in itself. Kids can personalize the breakfast by peeling and cutting kiwifruit into stars, hearts and other fun shapes to add to the smoothie. (Kiwifruit shapes can also top pancakes or cereal.)
Later in the day, older kids can be Dad's helper at the grill. Try sweet and juicy fruit skewers along with Curried Turkey Sliders With Chutney - the tropical flavor of the kebabs and the tangy curry of the sliders make the perfect taste combination that will make Dad feel really special.
Fresh fruit also perks up cocktails and mocktails. A Green Kiwifruit Vesper cocktail or mocktail is just the thing to finish off an unforgettable Father's Day.
Quick tips on cooking with kiwifruit
- Green kiwifruit is a natural meat tenderizer. Simply peel and mash a kiwifruit and spread it on a cut of meat. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then lightly scrape off the kiwifruit before cooking.
- Look for plump and smooth-skinned kiwifruit with no wrinkles, bruises or punctures. Ripe green and gold kiwifruit will keep at room temperature for a few days. Keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to store longer.
- To speed up the ripening process, put kiwifruit in a brown bag with an apple or banana and leave on your kitchen counter.
More recipes and nutritional information are available at www.zesprikiwi.com.
Curried Turkey Sliders With Kiwifruit Chutney
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
6 servings
Chutney
- 2 Zespri green kiwifruit, peeled, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Combine kiwifruit, raisins, sugar and salt in small bowl and mix. Make chutney just prior to serving.
Curried Turkey Sliders
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 mini burger or small dinner rolls, split and toasted
- Preheat grill to medium. Combine turkey, onions, cilantro, curry powder, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Shape into 12 2-inch mini burger patties. Grill patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once, until cooked through. Place on buns; top with chutney.
Green Kiwifruit Vesper
Prep time: 3 minutes
2 cocktails
- 2 Zespri green kiwifruit, peeled, chopped
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces gin
- 2 ounces Lillet Blanc
- 1 cup ice
- Muddle kiwifruit, vodka, gin, Lillet Blanc and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake all ingredients and strain into two sugar-rimmed martini glasses. Garnish with unpeeled kiwifruit slice.
For a mocktail, substitute 6 ounces white grape juice and a dash of bitters for alcohol.
Kiwifruit Potassium Power Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
2 servings
- 1 cup vanilla soymilk, fortified (or regular milk)
- 1 cup orange juice, calcium fortified
- 2 Zespri gold or green kiwifruit, washed, unpeeled, chopped
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy protein powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Blend all ingredients in blender on high for 20 to 30 seconds or until smooth. Serve immediately.
Summer Kebabs
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
8 servings
- 2 Zespri green kiwifruit, peeled and cut into halves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, fresh, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 8 Zespri green kiwifruit, peeled and cut in half widthwise
- 2 peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 strawberries, hulled
- 2 bananas, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 wooden skewers
- Purée lemon juice, honey, ginger, cinnamon and 2 kiwifruit, in food processor until smooth to make kiwifruit glaze. Do not crush kiwifruit seeds; set aside.
- Place prepared fruit in large bowl. Pour puréed kiwifruit glaze over fruit and gently toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. Arrange mixed fruits on skewers. Brush grill with oil. Preheat grill.
- Grill fruit over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side, brushing with kiwifruit glaze until light brown. Serve immediately.
Source: Zespri Kiwifruit
Go Bananas
Easy ways to grill up something surprisingly good
(Family Features) Bananas aren't just for breakfast or lunch anymore. By grilling this popular fruit, you can add a whole new flavor dimension to a dinnertime recipe and turn a basic dessert into something wow.
Adding bananas to your summer grilling routine is a fun way to eat fruit. You can grill them in their peels while the BBQ coals are still hot or add peeled slices to a tasty kabob - it's that simple. From kid-friendly desserts to grown-up dishes with a tropical twist, make it easy on yourself and go bananas on the grill.
For more Dole Banana recipes and serving suggestions, go to www.dole.com/en/products/bananas. To share banana recipes anytime, go to www.facebook.com/DOLEbananas.
Did You Know?
- With no fat, cholesterol or sodium, vitamin-packed bananas are a guilt-free summertime treat.
- Banana peels are great for polishing shoes. Use (the inside of) an empty peel on your leather shoes as you would shoe polish and then buff off with a soft cloth. The banana's oils soak into the leather and, like most commercial shoe polishes, contains potassium.
- As bananas ripen, the starch in the fruit turns to sugar. Therefore, the riper the banana, the sweeter it will taste.
- Ten or more bananas growing together are called "hands" and a single banana is called a "finger." Four to six bananas sold in the store are called a "cluster."
How to Store Bananas
- Remove bananas from plastic produce bag and store at room temperature. The warmer it is, the faster the bananas will ripen.
- To slow ripening, refrigerate (peel will turn black but the fruit inside will be fresh and ripe). Bananas can be frozen once the banana is peeled and stored in a freezer bag until ready to use (use a bit of fresh lemon juice to reduce browning).
- If bananas are too green, place them in a brown paper bag, in a warm dry area (but not in direct sunlight) for a day or two to encourage ripening. If there is still not enough yellow appearing on the peel, place a ripe apple in the bag with the bananas.
Island Kabobs with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Preparation : 10 minutes
Grill Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
- 2 ripe, firm Dole® Bananas, peeled, each cut into 6 pieces, plus 1 ripe Dole Banana, peeled and diced
- 12 chunks Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple
- 16 extra large or jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 green or red bell pepper, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
- 1 Dole Green Onion, minced
- 2 to 3 teaspoons minced jalapeño pepper
- Thread banana pieces, pineapple, shrimp and bell pepper pieces equally onto skewers.
- Whisk together lime juice, oil and allspice in small bowl. Brush 2 tablespoons over kabobs.
- Combine remaining marinade with diced banana, mango, mint, green onion and jalapeño pepper; place in a serving dish.
- Grill kabobs over medium high heat 8 to 10 minutes, turning once or until the shrimp are opaque. Arrange the kabobs on top of the salsa.
Teriyaki Pork Chops with Grilled Bananas
Preparation : 20 minutes
Grill Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 3 to 4 servings
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless pork chops (3 to 4)
- 2 large firm Dole Bananas, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons sliced Dole Green Onion
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed
- Combine sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar and oil in small bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons sherry mixture and brush on pork chops and bananas.
- Grill pork 8 to 10 minutes on each side until cooked through. Grill bananas 2 to 3 minutes on each side until heated through. Cut each into 1-inch pieces.
- Combine remaining sherry mixture and cornstarch in small saucepan; cook, stirring until thickened.
- Arrange pork and bananas over rice on serving plate; drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seed.
Grilled Bananas
No prep needed.
Grill Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
- 4 Dole Bananas, unpeeled
- Assorted favorite dessert toppings
- Place unpeeled bananas on grill over medium high heat.
- Grill 4 to 5 minutes on each side until peels blacken and soften. Insides will be custard-like.
- Serve warm or chilled with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, chopped nuts, miniature marshmallows, chocolate bits, caramel or frozen yogurt.
Grilled Caribbean Fruit Salsa
Preparation: 10 minutes
Grill Time: 8 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
- 1/2 fresh Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple, peeled and sliced vertically
- 1 large, ripe firm Dole Banana, slice in half vertically
- 1 mango, skinned, peeled and sliced in half vertically
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, minced
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 kiwi, diced
- Combine pineapple, banana and mango slices with the olive oil and lime juice.
- Brush to coat the fruit. Place fruit on grill.
- Grill fruit 4 to 5 minutes each side, remove and cool slightly.
- Roughly chop the grilled fruit, reserving juices.
- Combine fruit and reserved juices with the red onion, red pepper flakes and kiwi.
- Serve warm or room temperature. Great with grilled chicken or fish.
Source: Dole