the best way to eat bananas

I love banana everything and anything. Plain bananas, banana sorbet, banana bread, and so on and forth. As I mentioned here, chocolate and candy covered bananas has been on my ‘to make’ list. Well, this past weekend I jumped right in and made them for a Mother’s Day BBQ I went to back in New York. While they didn’t turn out exactly how I imagined them to, they still turned out delicious. I pretty much made up a recipe as I went along, but there really wasn’t much to it. It was extremely easy to make and fun at the same time.

Ingredients:

  • 6 bananas (cut in half)
  • 2 bags of semi sweet chocolate chip morsels
  • 4 different types of candy (you choose what kind and how much)
    • I chose plain M&M’s, peanut M&M’s, Kit-Kat, and Snickers
Directions:
  • Crush up all the candy. I put each type of candy into a plastic bag and mashed them up with my hands, and a spoon for the tougher ones.
  • Put each type of crushed up candy into its own bowl.
  • Melt chocolate (in the microwave is easy enough).
  • Cut bananas in half.
  • Line a couple baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • One at a time, dip the banana halves into the chocolate and then into the candy of your choice.
  • Lay them on parchment paper.
  • Make sure all are covered sufficiently enough with candy, and if not, go back and sprinkle more on top.
  • Put in the freezer overnight (or until chocolate is hard and attached to the bananas).
  • Enjoy.

delicious desserts

Now that I’m starting to really settle into my new city, I think a housewarming party is on the horizon. Still waiting for a couple more things for the apartment to arrive, but as soon as they do, party planning will commence. There are, of course, many options for a housewarming soiree: brunch, drinks and apps, dessert, and so on. At the moment, I’m leaning towards a dessert and drinks situation. Everyone loves dessert (and drinks, of course) and it could be fun before a night out (or in). I’ve come across some fabulous dessert options that I can’t wait to make, whether for this party or any day of the week. Indulge.

chocolate and candy covered bananas
found here
fruit skewers
found here
s’mores with raspberries
found here
cake shooters
found here
mini ice cream sandwich pops
found here
ice cream bar
found here

time for sweets

When I say I’ve never tasted such good sweets as the ones that come from Sweet E’s, I really mean I’ve never tasted such good sweets.  It is not only the greatest looking bake shop I’ve come across, but it has the most delicious (and some very unique) items, as well. It was featured on Cupcake Wars, celebrities across the nation are huge fans, and their tasty treats have been present at some of the hottest parties in LA.  



The cupcakes are heavenly. The cake pops are to die for. And their newest creation you will not be able to get enough of. Erica Tucker-Weinberg, Founder of Sweet E’s Bake Shop, gave me a look into her incredible business. 



From Prosecco to Plaid: When did you first realize you were so passionate about baking?  
Erica Tucker-Weinberg: Ever since I was a little girl I loved to bake, but it wasn’t until I moved out to LA after college when I realized I could create a business over my sweet tooth.


P to P: What is your all time favorite item that Sweet E’s makes and sells?
ETW: We just came out with the most amazing new product…..Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies! Chocolate chip cookies stuffed with either an Oreo, Rolo, Andes, peanut butter cup, or Twix. I pretty much took my favorite candy bars and literally stuffed them into my favorite cookie. I suggest popping it into the microwave for a few seconds before eating it and it will be the most amazing cookie you have ever had!! Stuffed cookies are also shippable nationwide!


P to P: Besides baking, what are three of your passions?
ETW: I love singing, yoga, & cooking!


P to P: What does Sweet E’s sell the most of (item and flavor)?
ETW: The cupcake trend is still on a high so we definitely sell mostly cupcakes, BUT the cake pop craze comes in a close second.  Our best selling cupcakes are Cookie Dough, Blue Velvet, & Red Velvet.  Our best selling cake pops are Cookies N Cream & of course Red Velvet. We also always have a flavor of the month.  This month’s flavor is Samoa AKA the best Girl Scout cookie in cupcake & cake pop form. Yummm!

P to P: What is something about yourself that no one would ever guess?
ETW: I used to work for a company that made custom race cars.  It was my Danika Patrick moment in life.



You can follow Sweet E’s on Twitter here. You can like them on Facebook here, and don’t forget to check out their website here.