Bananas seem to be one fruit you either love or hate. I love them, my sister hates them (except in Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins) — both extreme reactions to being fed far too many bananas as kids.

In their natural state, they are a perfectly portable and nutritious snack. This, however, does not mean that it’s the only way to eat them. Here are some creative ways to present bananas.

My Mom’s Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – This is one of the first recipes I learned how to bake with my mom and is still one of my favorites — it makes the whole house smell fantastic!

• 3 large bananas
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cup flour
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°. Line 12  regular size muffin cups with paper liners.

Mash bananas (This is a fun job for kids to do!). Add sugar, egg and melted butter; beat together. Sift in baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour; mix. Gently mix in chocolate chips. Spoon into muffin cups, bake for 20 minutes.

Banana French Toast – One of my new favorite ways to use bananas. Banana French Toast is extremely moist with just a whisper of banana flavor. This is more of a guideline than an actual recipe.

• Bread of your choice – a day old bread such as French bread or Challah are my favorite choices.
• 1-2 soft bananas
• A couple of eggs
• Splash of Milk
• Splash of vanilla
• You favorite flavoring – I tend to go with a little ground cinnamon, cardamon, or almond extract
• Maple Syrup, Jam or Icing Sugar to top.

Mash up your bananas in a bowl add eggs, milk, vanilla and and other flavorings; beat well. Get your pan hot, melt some butter in it, dip your bread into the egg mixture, and into the pan. If you like your french toast a little more moist, let it sit in the egg mixture a little longer. Fry until golden brown and set, flip over and cook through.

Fast Banana – Quick Creative Banana ideas

Banana Bites – Peel Bananas, cut in chunks, stab with a toothpick and dip in melted chocolate. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for ½ an hour.

Banana Sorbet – A super quick desert and use for brown bananas. Place Bananas in the freezer until solid then blend in a food processor. You ca add a little chocolate sauce or peanut butter for extra flavor.

Peanut Butter Banana Boats – A little messy but another favorite of mine. Take a banana and slice it lengthwise, spread with peanut butter and close.

Banana Smoothie – Adding a soft banana to your favorite smoothie recipe is a great way to add some extra nutrition.

How do you like your bananas? I am always looking for new and creative ways to use bananas. Please share below!