I really like the sound of National Monkey Day. However, I surprised to learn that most monkeys never eat bananas or plantains because they do not grow in the forests of Costa Rica. They do not naturally grow in the Americas. Bananas and plantains come from South East Asia. But people brought bananas and plantains to Costa Rica many years ago and the monkeys discovered they like to eat them. Who’da thunk?!?!
So to honor their now favorite fruit… may I present the banana! In it’s pure form it is eaten raw, even picked directly from the banana plant. Bananas are found mostly in tropical areas of many nations. Here are some of the favorites.
RAW – Yes, raw. Peel the skin from the banana. Remove ang strings. Enjoy! A great source of potassium, each banana holds about 12% of potassium.
National Monkey Day Sweet Banana Recipes
Old Fashion Banana Bread – A quick bread that is easy to make. Banana bread is delicious. Very versatile in its uses.
Variation One – Slice banana bread into 1 inch slices. Dip each slice into a mixture of milk and eggs. Fry on a griddle (just like French toast). Serve with slices of fresh slices of banana and sprinkle either cinamon or whipped cream on top.
Banana Cream Pie – This recipe is easily modified. You’ll need a premade graham cracker pie crust, One large box of banana-flavored INSTANT pudding, one container of cool whip, and 2 bananas cut into slices and 2 that are sliced in half lengthwise.
Make the banana-flavored INSTANT pudding according to the package. Put in fridge. Take the 2 bananas that are sliced lengthwise and put on the graham crust. Make sure the entire bottom is covered. Afterwards, spread the banana pudding spread evenly over the bananas. Put in fridge for at least 1/2 hour to allow the pudding to set firmly. Mound Whip cream on top. Place slices of banana on the mounds. Serve and enjoy!
National Monkey Day Recipes with Plantains
Fried Plantains – Fried Plantains is a West African dish. For this recipe, you’ll want to use green, yes green, plantains to have the best flavors.
Spicy Plantains with Rice and Beans – This recipe uses Scotch Bonnets. Very very spicy. If you can’t locate them, use the hottest peppers you can find. However, I’d suggest finding the hottest ones you can tolerate. The draw isn’t the heat, but the combination of ingredients.
