Project Free Bananas

So, I was at the grocery store the other day and just needed a few things, but when I got home, I ended up with an extra bag. I had taken home someone else's bananas. Good for me, bad for them! I decided that I could not simply eat the bananas plain; I had to give them a proper "life." After all, they may have been intended to make a delicious bread or dessert or something. There were four bananas so I decided to come up with four delicious things to do with them. I started planning my "banana menu" and was really excited! Then I noticed something.....every dish that I planned also had Nutella in it! Oooops! Well, actually, mine is a Hazelnut Vanilla Spread from World Market, and I definitely recommend it.

 

So I guess I should call this the "Free Banana Project, taken over by Hazelnut Spread!" Anyways, I digress.

For these recipes, I will list Nutella as the hazelnut spread ingredient, but if you can get your hands on this stuff, you totally should! I hope you like my creations!! I was having so much fun inventing these that some of them I made two different versions of. You'll see. :)

Grilled Banana Sandwich

Then things got a little crazy. I had some frozen banana bread in the freezer so I thawed that out and did a round two of this recipe-with banana bread! 

Grilled Banana Sandwich on Banana Bread

 

 

 

 

 

Grilled Banana Sandwich

2 sliced bread, or banana bread :)

1/2 banana, sliced

1-2 T Nutella

Butter or butter spray

Heat non stick skillet on medium-high heat. Spread butter or spray butter on one side of each piece of bread. On the other side, spread Nutella on it and top one piece of bread with banana slices. Cook sandwich on each side for a few minutes, or until golden brown. It might help the sandwich stay together if you press it down on it with a spatula, so the bananas don't fall out. 

This was heaven, and I was definitely in a banana coma after the banana sandwich and the DOUBLE banana sandwich. :)

Banana Nutella S'mores

 

Yum! These were so messy and yummy! But then I outdid myself when I had a brilliant idea. My favorite girl scout cookie is the Trefoils, or the shortbread cookie.  

 

Yep, you guessed it. I made a s'more on a trefoil cookie! Sinful!

Banana Nutella Trefoil S'mores

 

 

Banana Nutella S'mores 

2-4 gram crackers OR cookies of choice

Sliced banana pieces

Nutella

1-2 marshmallows

Slather the crackers or cookies with nutella, top with a marshmallow, top with remaining cracker of cookie. Microwave on a plate for a few seconds. Eat. Have paper towels near by!

Banana Nutella Crepe with Crunchy Hazelnuts

 

Banana Nutella Crepe with Crunchy Hazelnuts

1 prepared crepe from mix

Banana slices

1-2 T nutella

1-2 T toasted hazelnuts, chopped

Heat non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Spread nutella on crepe. Top with banana slices and hazelnuts. Carefully, place crepe in skillet, clean side down. Heat for 1-2 minutes, until nutella is warm and melty. Carefully remove from skillet and roll up. If the sides are crispy, use a toothpick to hold together. 

Banana Nutella Oatmeal with Peanut Butter

 

Banana Nutella Oatmeal with Peanut Butter

1/2 C old fashioned oats

Banana slices

1 T Nutella

1 T natural peanut butter

Milk or water for cooking

Prepare oatmeal according to directions. Top with sliced bananas, peanut butter and nutella. Mix and eat. 

So none of these recipes are difficult, but they are all oh so delicious! What do you think? Did I fulfill the destiny of the free bananas?