Since buying an electric ice crusher a month ago, I’ve been having fun making icy desserts at home.
Unlike blender-type ice crushers, this one is easy to use. I simply put ice cubes in the device, press a lever, and voila—out comes finely crushed ice.
One of our favorite home desserts is mais con yelo—creamed corn spooned from a tall glass with crushed ice, sugar and evaporated milk. It’s so refreshing.
Another icy treat is tender, sweetened bananas on ice. For this you’ll need saba bananas. Make sure the ones you buy are sweet and of good quality. We usually buy ours in weekend markets.
Here’s the recipe:
Bananas on Ice
2 c brown sugar
4 c water
12 ripe saba bananas
1 tsp vanilla
Crushed ice
Milk (optional)
Combine brown sugar and water in a large saucepan or casserole. Let boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Let simmer until the sugar dissolves, around five minutes.
Meanwhile slice the bananas in halves. When the sugar dissolves in the pan, add the bananas and vanilla. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the bananas are tender and the liquid becomes syrupy, around 25 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.
When the bananas and syrup have cooled, crush some ice in a blender or ice crusher. Spoon the crushed ice into individual bowls, then apportion the bananas and syrup. If desired, add milk. Makes around 6 to 8 servings.
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