Caramelized Bananas over Vanilla Ice Cream

In keeping with last week’s theme of “Sweet Things the Man Makes” . . . here’s our favorite weeknight dessert: Caramelized bananas over vanilla ice cream.

A few simple steps: Melt about 2 tablespoons butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir in about 1/2 cup brown sugar and a pinch of salt, and stir together until sugar is completely melted. Toss in sliced bananas, and stir around in caramelized mixture until completely coated and slightly softened (about 1 minute.) Let cool for the time it takes you to scoop vanilla ice cream, and serve bananas on top.This also works well with peaches, apples or pears.

Did anyone else read this article about the end of the food pyramid as we know it? According to the new Dinner Plate imagery, half of our plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables. So I’m feeling pretty confident about this dessert. (I’m not sure the first lady would be too pumped about the butter, brown sugar or ice cream . . . then again, maybe she would!)