I was just eating my midday snack, a banana, when I noticed the Dole sticker on the peel. It said Go Bananas After Dark and listed a website. Usually, I am not suspect to fruit label advertising, but it intrigued me. I was thinking it had something to do with how eating a banana before bedtime can stir up nightmares. Nope. The website lists dinner recipes with bananas as a key ingredient and other interesting factual and nutrition info. I guess they are trying to increase the consumption of bananas. They're not just for breakfast anymore! Well, they have me convinced. One of their recipes for Grilled Bacon Maple Banana Bites looks delicious. But what isn't delicious that's wrapped in bacon?
INGREDIENTS:
· 1/4 cup maple syrup
· 8 slices center-cut bacon
· 2 large DOLE© Bananas
· 1tsp. chili powder
· 1tsp. chili powder
DIRECTIONS:
· preheat gas grill to medium heat
· spray grill grates with cooking spray or lightly oil
· pour maple syrup into shallow dish
· place bacon onto a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels
· cover with another paper towel and microwave on high for 1 minute or until bacon just barely begins to cook, but is still pliable and not crisp
· sprinkle peeled bananas with chili powder
· cut each banana into four roughly equal pieces
· roll each piece in maple syrup and wrap in one slice of bacon
· serve with toothpick
· grill on medium heat for 5-8 minutes or until bacon is nicely browned & crisp, turning occasionally
· serve immediately
This is another one of those dishes that is a good "go-to" when you need a quick and easy recipe for that last minute dinner party. Let me tell you, it's a crowd pleaser! It is one of my staples. There are never any left on my serving platter at the end of the night. The sweetness of the date mixed with the smoky and saltyness of the bacon is a perfect match. Try and you will see!
INGREDIENTS
·bacon
·dates (pitted)
INSTRUCTIONS
· grease a cooking pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
· cut each slice of bacon in half length wise.
· roll a date in a bacon slice and secure it with a toothpick
· place on baking sheet about 1 inch apart
· bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes and flip sides
(they should be crispy and dark when fully cooked)They can be served at room temperature, so you do not have to worry about cooking them right in time for serving. You could also create variations by stuffing the dates with blue cheese or by using apple smoked bacon. Mix it up!
Merry Christmas!
