Social Kitchen

It’s finals season.  I am spending my days studying and not sleeping and snacking constantly and…studying.  So now I’m bored of all of these subjects, sporting dark circles under my eyes, and a tad bit more chubs than I was two weeks ago.  It’s a joyous time, really!

Have you ever noticed that it’s only when you’re studying that you completely justify eating horribly?!  (“Oh, but that was meant to be eaten with cream cheese on top.”  “Having a handful of chocolate chips after every meal is good for the heart!  Especially if it’s dark chocolate.”  “Did you know that Nutella is made with hazelnuts?!  Protein!”).  I had decided two weeks ago, though, that this semester I wouldn’t go to my usuals when I need that energy boost.  Nope, I thought of something better.  I decided that I would go to the best natural energy source – bananas! – and then incorporate the Nutella and the chocolate chips!  Natural sugars!  With only a modicum of the refined stuff!  Brilliant.

What’s more brilliant is how to actually make this study friendly treat.  Who knew that frozen bananas whizzed up in a blender would turn into the consistency of extremely satisfying, deceivingly indulgent, soft serve ice cream?!  I wonder about the science of that.  But I won’t find out!  Not quite yet, anyway.  I’ll just devour it while learning other, not as interesting things.  Yay.

Magic Banana Ice Cream (adapted from The Kitchn)

Yes.  I made this with Nutella, and I’ve thrown in a couple chocolate chips.  You can even make it plain and it’s pretty darn satisfying.  But my favorite combo is below.  But hey, click on that link above!  There are many variations to this that will please you, I’m sure.  Also, one more note: who likes banana flavored things?  Not me, I definitely don’t.  But this isn’t banana flavored, people, because they are actually bananas!  It’s just creamy banana goodness.  Yum.

Okay, last thing, promise.  You may recall that I had another ice cream that was quite magical.  My freezer is full of mystical frozen treats!  Okay, okay, I’ll stop stalling now – back to studying…

3-4 very ripe bananas, peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces, and frozen overnight

3 tbsp. natural peanut butter

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. agave nectar, or honey

a sprinkle of cinnamon

4-5 graham crackers, broken into larger pieces

Blend the bananas in a food processor or blender until the consistency of soft serve ice cream.  You won’t believe that it will happen.  You will keep looking at it wondering why you have frozen banana crumbs.  Have faith.  Keep blending it, mixing it with a spatula, if needed.  When you really, truly feel like you can’t go on, add the peanut butter, agave, salt and cinnamon.  Blend again, and you will be happy you added some liquids.  And you will have faith again.  And then, without you even knowing it, you realize that it’s exactly the consistency you want it to be.  But wait!  You’re not done!  Throw in those graham crackers and blend until they’re the size you want them to be.  Now, my friend, you are done.  Eat it immediately, or pour it into a container and stick it in the freezer for a stash.  You’ll be happy that you have that in your 9th hour of studying.

This entry was posted on May 9, 2013 at 9:00 am and is filed under Uncategorized.