Happy Graduation! (Frozen Banana Bites)

It's that time of year! And around here it seems like everywhere you turn there is a freshly minted graduate -- Duke, UNC, NC State, NC Central, Elon,  -- and that doesn't even start to include the high schools. 

One of my dearest friend's daughter Maddie is one of those grads

Bite-Sized Frozen Banana? Yes, ma'am!

and is a proud owner of a fresh new Elon MBA. To celebrate the big day, her folks hosted a party at their home a couple of weekends ago. And what a party it was!

While the event was catered, another friend and I volunteered to bring the desserts.  Those who know me well know that I'm not big on creating desserts. And making something that would be enjoyed (or not) by 50+ people was a bit overwhelming. Thankfully my cohort in dessert crime pointed sent me this recipe 

Reminiscent of a beachside frozen banana on a stick, these frozen treats are cool, tasty and actually not bad for you! They’re also super simple to make and would make a fun rainy day project with the kiddos. While this isn’t an original recipe, it’s such a crowd pleaser that I had to share. 

Here's how you make them:

Ingredients:

Makes 20 to 45 pieces depending upon the size of the bananas. They’ll keep in the freezer for a week or two, if you can keep yourself from eating them!

• 2-4 bananas (select just ripe ones — this is not a great use for super ripe bananas)
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (I use the kind you’ll find in the baking section; just be sure it is semi-sweet and not unsweetened)
• 2/3 cup chopped almonds

Method

• Line a baking sheet with wax paper and clear a space in the freezer the same size as the sheet.
• Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 to 3/4 inch slices.
• Fill a sauce pan with about 3 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Then place a glass bowl on top of the pan, put the chocolate in the bowl and stir gently until melted. When chocolate is smooth, turn off the heat but leave the bowl over the hot water.
• Now comes the fun part - using a fork, start dunking the banana slices into the chocolate 2 or 3 at a time. Lightly shake and tap the covered slices to remove excess chocolate (if there is such a thing). 
• Use a second fork to slide the slices onto the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle on some nuts and press them lightly to be sure they settle into the chocolate.
• Freeze until firm (abut 20 minutes) and then remove to an airtight container and freeze for up to two weeks.  Serve Frozen. 

Enjoy!