Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce

Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of ice cream and the richness of chocolate sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a treat for yourself.

History

Grilled bananas have been a popular dessert in many cultures for centuries. The combination of warm, caramelized bananas with cold ice cream and rich chocolate sauce is a classic flavor pairing that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 firm-ripe bananas
0.25 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
good quality store bought vanilla ice cream

Hot Chocolate Sauce

0.25 lb (113 g) good quality chocolate, chopped
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.33 cup half-and-half

How to prepare

Preheat a grill pan.
Peel the bananas and halve them lengthwise.
In a shallow baking pan large enough to hold the bananas in one layer, stir together the butter and brown sugar. Add the bananas and toss gently to coat.
Transfer the bananas to an oiled grill pan using a metal spatula. Grill them until they are browned and cooked through, about 2 minutes on each side. If the bananas are difficult to handle, you may grill them on one side only.
In a heavy saucepan, combine the chopped chocolate, cinnamon, and half and half over low heat. Stir frequently until the chocolate is melted.
Serve the bananas like a banana split, topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Variations

Try using different flavors of ice cream, such as caramel or strawberry, for a unique twist.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use firm-ripe bananas for this recipe to ensure that they hold up well on the grill.

- Brushing the bananas with melted butter and brown sugar before grilling adds a delicious caramelized flavor.

- Be sure to watch the bananas closely while grilling to prevent them from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the bananas adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dessert, but you can also bake them in the oven if you prefer.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter, and almond or soy milk instead of half-and-half for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can grill the bananas and make the chocolate sauce ahead of time, then assemble the dessert just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce in a fancy glass or bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dessert in the refrigerator and reheat the chocolate sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and chocolate, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce is a decadent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for a special occasion or a treat for yourself. With a combination of warm, caramelized bananas, cold ice cream, and rich chocolate sauce, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had belonged to my mother. As I sifted through the yellowed and stained cards, my eyes landed on a simple, handwritten recipe titled "Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce."

I had never heard of such a combination before, but it sounded absolutely decadent. I could almost taste the sweet, caramelized bananas paired with creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled with rich, hot chocolate sauce. I knew I had to try it.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients. I sliced ripe bananas in half lengthwise and brushed them with a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar. Then, I placed them on the grill, letting them cook until they were slightly charred and caramelized.

While the bananas were grilling, I whipped up a quick batch of homemade hot chocolate sauce. I melted dark chocolate with heavy cream and a touch of vanilla extract until it was smooth and velvety. The aroma of chocolate filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the bananas were done, I plated them alongside scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream. I drizzled the hot chocolate sauce over the top, watching as it cascaded down the sides of the bananas and pooled around the ice cream. It was a sight to behold.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported to dessert heaven. The warm, caramelized bananas were sweet and tender, contrasting perfectly with the cool, creamy ice cream. The hot chocolate sauce added a rich, decadent finish that tied everything together in delicious harmony.

From that moment on, Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, holidays, or just whenever I was craving a sweet treat. It never failed to impress and delight anyone who had the pleasure of trying it.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair. But the core elements of the dish remain the same – perfectly grilled bananas, velvety vanilla ice cream, and decadent hot chocolate sauce.

This recipe has become more than just a dessert for me. It is a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that cooking can bring. It is a connection to my past, to my mother and grandmother who passed down their love of food and flavors to me. It is a way to create memories and share moments of sweetness with those I care about.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a luxurious and indulgent dessert, I urge you to give Grilled Bananas with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate Sauce a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe this recipe will become a special memory for you too, just like it has for me.