Banana fritters

There are always bananas in our home. Such a convenient, portable and healthy snack. Invariably though you end up with a very ripe banana that nobody feels like eating. Fritters are a perfect way to make a ripe banana go a long way.

There are various ways I serve up these fritters, largely dependant on the formality of the occasion and on how many guests there are to serve. Recently I had a couple of friends over for an impromptu dinner and when stuck for a quick dessert idea, looked at the lone ripened banana in the fruit tray and decided on fritters! I fried up a batch after the main course, dusted them with cinnamon sugar and drizzled dark chocolate all over! Amazing! 4 forks sharing from a loaded plate, everyone nodding in mutual appreciation, it was really good fun.

For just a quick tea-time treat, roll the hot fritters in caster sugar that you've sprinkled some powdered cinnamon into and enjoy.

These fritters remind me of home. They were usually made on a rainy day to cheer us up. There's no doubt these sunshine-filled fritters will bring some cheer to you too.

When you really feel like indulging, go ahead and drizzle melted chocolate over and don't hesitate to have a large scoop of vanilla ice-cream on the side too.

Recipe:

You will need:

• 1.5 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1.5 tablespoons butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 ripe bananas, sliced thickly

Rub the butter in flour, add fennel seeds, the well beaten egg, sugar and milk. Make it into a batter of dropping consistency and leave it aside for about an hour.
Add baking powder. Dip the slices of ripe banana into the batter and fry in deep oil over medium heat till golden brown.
Drain and serve immediately.