The Hungry Spy’s Deep-Fried Chocolate Bananas

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in a sprinkle of sea salt, and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Step 2.

   Peel the bananas and slice them into cylinders 3 inches long. Use an apple corer to remove the core from each cylinder, then cut or break the cores into small pieces. Plug one end of each banana cylinder with a small piece of core.

3. Step 3.

   Stand the banana cylinders on the plugged ends. Pour the melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle and squeeze the chocolate into the empty centers of the bananas until filled. Plug the open end of each cylinder with another piece of core. Place the stuffed bananas in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

4. Step 4.

   Ten minutes before cooking, remove the bananas from the freezer and start heating oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 400°F (200°C).

5. Step 5.

   Place the cake flour, heavy cream, and pulverized bread crumbs each in separate shallow bowls. Roll each banana cylinder in the flour to coat, then dredge in the heavy cream, and finally dredge in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

6. Step 6.

   Fry the bananas in the hot oil, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.