National Banana Split Day
I’m eating lunch while searching for an idea for today’s topic: a sandwich and a banana that is past its prime. As I scroll, a yummy photo catches my eye, and so it is, National Banana Split Day.
This delicious dessert was invented in 1904 by a pharmacist’s apprentice, David Evans Strickler, at Tassel Pharmacy in LaTrobe, Pennsylvania. In the soda fountain era, many counters shared locations with pharmacies. Banana splits were an immediate hit with the college crowd who eagerly paid 10 cents, double the rate of a regular sundae, for this tasty treat. The split became all the rage in ice cream parlors.
The ideal banana split recipe includes a banana split in half, topped by 3 scoops of ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry), fudge sauce, whipped cream, and chopped nuts; crowned with maraschino cherries.
You don’t have to stick with the mundane, tried-and-true presentation: be creative. Change up the bananas by carmelizing them like Bananas Foster; dip them in chocolate and freeze them, dust them with sugar and cinnamon, or just slice them multiple ways.
On the run? Toss all of the traditional ingredients in the blender and drink your split in a go cup.
More time available? How about a Banana Split Cake? Many versions exist, ranging from a no-bake cake to a multi-layer baked pastry extravaganza.
Ready to chill with friends? A Banana Split Martini sounds festive.
Other variations alter the ice cream flavors and toppings. Consider chocolate gelato with caramel sauce or strawberry sherbet with pineapple sauce. Use your imagination. Do you have a favorite style? P.S. writing this blog has made me crave a sweet dessert.
