Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Banana Heaven

I don't remember if the folks responsible for Vegan Fusion World Cuisine call this one a custard or pudding, but I know what I call it....Heaven.

For the gajillionth time I was staring at some reeeeally ripe bananas just barely hangin on and smelling up my kitchen, knowing I didn't want any kind of banana bread or cake or muffin. What to do?

I just so happens I had all the makings for a killer dessert, thanks to Vegan Fusion. It's basically a silken tofu based pudding with banana, maple syrup, cardamom, and cinnamon. Half of it is mixed with melted chocolate and then you layer each half in a dessert or parfait dish. It looks in this picture as though there isn't much in the way of the chocolate portion, but don't be fooled! It wasn't that easy to pour in without it pretty much glopping up in the middle. Mmmmmmmmmmm, chocolatey center!!!! The banana layer is smooth and light and has lots of banana flavor. The chocolate layer is rich without being too rich and, once put in the fridge, firms up a bit to give a nice contrast of textures.

Topped with fresh cut strawberries and toasted sweetened coconut and WOW! This stuff is seriously goooooooood! (the recipe calls for some fresh mint as well, but I hadn't any and had to skip that part, but I'm sure it's made even more tasty with that addition!) I'm typically not a huge fan of tofu based desserts, but this one is so full of flavor and creaminess, you get all of the protein soy goodness with none of the sometimes overwhelming tofu chalky taste.

I halved the recipe, which said it made three servings, but my version made four perfectly sized helpings.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been on a big cardamom kick lately, so I'll HAVE to try this!

Anonymous said...

I never thought that bananas could be so versatile. I love them so much I eat them everyday. mmm that pudding/custard looks delicious regardless of what it is!

Jess said...

Whoa. That looks seriously incredible! I am jealous. What a great way to use up those old bananas... Which I just happen to have right now!

T said...

I love your blog!

That looks totally heavenly! And overripe bananas are never hard to come by in my house.

gail said...

thanks for the idea! i love that cookbook, but haven't tried very many of the recipes yet. i think i may sub peanut butter for the almond butter - yum.

moi + toi PHOTOGRAPHIE said...

strawberries and coconut. i can taste them now! The bananas are great, but mmmm. I love the fusion.

Carolann said...

How pretty! I always hate when you come to the point of figuring out what to do with mushy bananas. I have some in my kitchen that are getting that way now lol. Beautiful post!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

my goodness, that looks and sounds quite heavenly, indeed!! yum!! I eat bananas everyday :0)

aTxVegn said...

That combination of flavors indeed sounds heavenly!

Anardana said...

Wow! I need that cookbook.. I've had it from the library, but it isn't enough time!

Lori- the Pleasantly Plump Vegan said...

wow!

Anonymous said...

WOW! I'll trade in my yogurt for that any day ;) mmm strawberries and coconut...

Vegan_Noodle said...

I'll take a bowl of that any time of day!

Amey said...

Nice to see a recipe from this book... I only just got it recently as a gift. And not just any recipe, but a great looking one!
YUM