I do agree with you my lovely reader, the sound of a slice of banana crumble doesn’t offer the same endearing warm hug to your expectant senses as a slice of apple crumble does. But it is winter in some parts of the world and my family seems to be missing their normal winter desserts. Thus on an outing we came across this marvelous concoction, Banana crumble in all its glory. Initially, at the sound of crumble, the stampede to the dinner table was deafening, though faced with the banana part of it everyone did stop short.

Trepdiously filling their bowels not wanting to upset our friendly hostess, but the first bite sealed the deal. Banana crumble was an infinite success!. The family “oohed” and “aahhed” in sugary unison, we have a winner they exclaimed, with seconds and third helpings nicely tucked away in their tummies, they exclaimed who needs apple crumble, when you have bananas. So make this simply delightful desert for your loved ones…excuse the pun, but they will simply go bananas!!!!

Ingredients

4 large bananas
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar,
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter

Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Have children grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.

Let the kids help you slice the bananas in half lengthwise with a table knife. Place the bananas cut side down in the prepared baking dish.

Have the children place the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Using a table knife, have the kids help you cut up the cold butter into little pieces and add them to the bowl. With clean hands, have the children work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.

Then spread the crumble mixture over the bananas in an even layer, pressing down slightly.

Place the dish in the oven and bake until the crumble gets firm but not mushy and has turned golden in color, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve very warm.

By Mayuri Jayasinghe