Desserts on the Grill???

Any meal is not complete without a delicious desert to end the festivities and boy is it challenging to select one for a cookout!  Most deserts have to be prepared in advance and/or refrigerated… brownies, cookies, cakes and ice cream that melt, pies, etc.  Not to mention that all of these are BORING!  The key to choosing a great cookout desert is selecting something that can withstand the heat and can be prepared right before you eat it.  One of my favorites is the Banana Boat.  This desert is great because no two boats have to be the same, everyone can add the toppings their heart desires.  Worried about spending too much on toppings?  Ask each guest to bring one topping!  Plus it is fun for the kids.  Here is a great recipe I found on familyfun.go.com.  Check it out….

Ingredients

1 firm banana
1 tbsp. chocolate chips
2 tsp. chopped walnut pieces
2 to 3 tsp. mini marshmallows

Directions

On a flat surface, arrange a double thickness of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around the banana. Leave the skin on the banana and cut a long slit along the inside curve (if the banana is very curved, flatten it slightly with the palm of your hand).

Press chocolate chips, walnuts and marshmallows into the opening. Wrap the banana with aluminum foil and lay it on the hot coals. Cook it for eight to ten minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted.

(Watch it carefully.) Let the boat cool slightly, then open the foil and eat the banana and add-ins with a spoon. Serves one.

After a couple tries, I was able to perfect the grilling so the banana was perfect for my tastes…not too mushy.  This required medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes with rotation half way through.  If you prefer a mushy texture, I recommend leaving the banana on longer and increasing the heat.  Next time I plan to change up the toppings…maybe some vanilla ice cream, mini M&Ms and some peanut butter sauce.  Mmmm, delicious!  Why wait?