Banana Split Mini Bites

What a fun little twist on a classic ice cream dessert! These Banana Split Mini Bites created by Naomi of Bakers Royale are not only super adorable, but they allow your little ones to have a special sweet treat without completely overloading on sugar.

Image: Bakers Royale

Here are Naomi's simple instructions:

Use firm bananas and cut into 1 inch sections. Leave the peel on for easy handling, and with a melon baller, dig a well in the middle of each banana section.

Melt chocolate in the microwave and dip the bottom portion of the banana in chocolate and then dip it once again in either non-pareils or chopped peanuts. To quickly harden the chocolate, place dipped bananas in the freezer for five minutes.

Fill each well with ice cream (I filled mine with vanilla chocolate chip) and top with whip cream and a maraschino cherry.

What a fun, kid-friendly dessert idea. I hope that you enjoy. Stop by Bakers Royale for other great recipes and ideas, here.

{What's Cooking?} Cool Down with Homemade Italian Ice

This week's What's Cooking? recipe will help you beat the heat this summer: Homemade Italian Ice. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it is a crowd pleaser for young and old alike. Enjoy!



Italian Ice

Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (you can substitute with any flavoring of your choice)
- Ice cube molds
- Food processor

Directions:
Mix 1 cup water to 2 cups sugar. Bring to a boil while stirring to make a simple sugar. Remove from heat and add lemon juice (and a little zest if you like). Pour into ice cube molds and place in freezer. Once close to frozen (it will never fully freeze) remove from freezer and place cubes into food processor. Process until slushy. Garnish with lemon rind or fresh fruit.