Let’s skip past the stereotypical images of Mardi Gras celebrations and go right to the eating part of the celebration, shall we? Tomorrow is Mardi Gras, literally, “Fat Tuesday,” the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. It is typically seen as an opportunity to over-indulge before the Lenten season begins, a season known for restraint.
Since Mardi Gras is often associated with New Orleans, how about a fun and easy New Orleans dessert to help your family celebrate the holiday? Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans’ treat, made with bananas, brown sugar, butter and rum. I’ve taken this dessert and removed the rum and added fun won ton crisps to make a tasty layered treat.
If you don’t care to make the won ton crisps, simply serve the bananas on top of something else such as a sugar cookie, crumbled pretzel bits, heck, even a waffle.
Layered “Bananas Foster”
For the won ton crisps:
8 won ton wrappers
1 tablespoon Earth Balance or butter, melted
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the bananas:
¼ cup Earth Balance or butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup apple juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3-4 medium bananas, sliced thickly on the bias (diagonally)
For topping:
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
On a cookie sheet, place the won tons and brush each side with Earth Balance or butter.
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle a bit (1/4 teaspoon or a bit more) on top of each won ton.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they brown slightly.
Meanwhile, in a skillet melt the Earth Balance or butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and stir well.
Add the apple juice and cinnamon and stir well. Add the bananas and stir quickly to coat.
Place one won ton on a plate. Top with several banana slices and top with another won ton. Cover with a few more banana slices and a couple tablespoons of the brown sugar sauce.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Serves 4.
SPC