Hearthside Bananas

Do you remember making these when you were a kid?  I know I first had a version of these warm chocolate and banana treats at some sort of camp when I was young, but I don't remember anything else from that time.  I figure I retained what was most important.

I taught Alex and Julia to make these the same day we cooked ribs and beans in the fireplace.

Julia went first. 

Now, when we made these at camp, we used chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.  I didn't have chips, and we only have big marshmallows, so I had Julia pick a piece of leftover Halloween candy and I offered to cut up a few marshmallows into smaller pieces, but she declined those.

First, I had her slice a wedge out of the banana and pull back (but not remove) the peel.

She took out the wedge of banana and then mush up the rest of the banana innards with a little fork.

She also mashed the wedge portion of banana in a bowl.

Then it was time for the candy.

"Look, Ma!  I still have all my fingers!" 

Actually, Julia's very careful with a knife.  I'm thinking she can probably carve the turkey this year.

She stirred the mashed banana and the candy together, and then it was time to refill.

Once everything was packed in, she pulled the peel back over the top,

Then I wrapped the whole thing in foil and placed the banana near the ribs for about twenty minutes, turning it once so the candy would melt evenly.

And...voila!

Yum!  Melty and warm!  Julia thought this was the best thing EVER.  And, by extension, that I was the cleverest mom ever, too.  I didn't argue.  I'm stocking up for the years when I become the worst/meanest/dorkiest mom ever.  But that time has not come yet.

When Alex saw what Julia had created, and wanted to make his own.

Twenty minutes later, he was agreeing with Julia's assesment of this little treat.

The best part is that we can create endless combinations of candies, marshmallows, maybe chopped nuts, bits of fruit...the sky's the limit!

What would you fill your banana with?

Comments

[judith]

We used to make these at Girl Scout camp, there was some clever name for them but I forget what it was, seems like it had something to do with monkeys. I'd have to stick to chocolate chips and marshmallows, maybe some pecans in there would be good. I bet Alex's with the PB cup was good.

[Sally Rental]

What a lovely idea, I haven't done anything like that when I was a child but I think my kids will have a lot of fun! I know what we will be doing soon!

[Heather]

At the camp I used to go to we called them Banana Boats. We too would use chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, but I would often try to sneak some peanut butter chips in there too. Those peanut butter cups in it look amazing, I might have to try it!