Yes, We Have (Some) Bananas....

Bananas. They are quite a healthy snack, and even in today's difficult times, generally reasonably priced at your local grocery store. We often purchase them greenish, but they ripen quickly to a lovely yellow color, which is when they are at the peak of flavor for munching.

However, the quick ripening also leads to an equally quick over-ripening. I don't know about your house, but around here the "yuck" factor is directly proportionate to the amount of brown on the banana skins. So....once the brown starts showing, the poor bananas are left to sit on the counter, browning more every day. The good news is that the more brown the banana, the more perfect it is for baking.

So what do you do with leftover bananas?? I bet the first things that come to mind are banana bread, banana muffins, and maybe even banana cookies. Those are all very good uses, and most folks have their preferred recipes for these items. I've been known to make banana biscotti (Yum!), banana snack cake, and even banana pancakes!

In fact, this morning, I felt sorry for the pitiful brown bananas sitting on my kitchen counter, and decided to make a batch of those pancakes. I've made them before, and the recipe has evolved into my kids' very favorite pancakes - they ask for them frequently. Here's how I make my pancakes:

1 c. leftover oatmeal (or pour about a half-cup of very hot tap water over about 3/4 of a cup of quick oats and let sit for 3-4 minutes)
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
2 c. milk
2 - 2 1/2 c. flour (I use whole wheat)
1/3 c. brown sugar
3 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt

Mix first 4 ingredients well in bowl. Stir in the dry ingredients until well-incorporated. Cook pancakes on hot griddle, flipping when bubbles cover the top surface of the cake.

Sometimes as a special treat, after pouring out the batter onto the griddle, I will sprinkle the wet batter with flavored baking chips and cook as usual. I've used chocolate, white chocolate, and even butterscotch chips - the kids love this!!

Enjoy this unique way to use up your leftover bananas!