My first experience making Banana Boats was probably when I was about six years old and a Brownie Girl Scout. It is a dessert that was probably created by campers who are a lot like me - creative when dessert is needed and conventional ingredients and equipment are not available.
Being a fan of the outdoors and camping, I have certainly made these over an open fire but you don't need a campfire to achieve the same result. Sure, a grill works very well but I've even taken it a step further and used an even more modern convenience - the microwave! I think the original way yields a better dessert (which might just be due to the satisfaction of making something so delicious out in the open air). Either way, if you're looking for an easy dessert that your kids will love, this is a good choice - even with "allergy-free" substitutes!
Ingredients:
1 medium banana, un-peeled 1/2 tablespoon sunflower butter 2 teaspoons "safe" semi-sweet chocolate chips ( I use Enjoy Life brand) 2 tablespoons "safe" mini marshmallows
Aluminum Foil (if making over a campfire or on the grill)
Directions:
For the campfire or grill:1) Peel a 1 inch strip from the inside curve of the banana leaving the end attached to the rest of the peeling.
2) Cut a wedge lengthwise from the banana; reserve the cut out portion for later.
3) Spread the sunflower butter in the cavity. Then place the chocolate chips the marshmallows on top of the sunflower butter. Cover with the banana cut-out and then with the peeling.
4) Wrap in aluminum foil and place over hot coals for 5-10 minutes.
5) Peel back the aluminum foil on the top, then the portion of the banana peeling that has already been peeled back. Eat the gooey banana right out of the remaining peeling. Enjoy!
For the microwave: Follow the steps above but instead of step 4, microwave on high for 45-60 seconds.
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