Chocolate Covered Bananas

I first had these down at the beach on a hot summer day. It was the perfect treat to help cool down.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 chocolate covered bananas

Ingredients

• 3  large firm bananas
• 10  ounces chocolate chips
• 1  tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 6  wooden popsicle sticks

• any of the following can be used as a topping

•  chopped peanuts
•  toasted coconut
•  miniature M&M baking bits
•  chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Cut each Banana in half, so that you are left with 6 short pieces.
2. Place the popsicle stick 2/3 of the way in to the banana.
3. Freeze for 3 hours or overnight (if your in a rush freeze until they are at least firm).
4. In a heat proof bowl combine chocolate and vegetable shortening.
5. Heat a pan of water until it is boiling turn off, place heat bowl on top of pan (double boiler). Stir until chocolate is melted.
6. Working quickly, dip bananas in chocolate, then roll in topping of choice (peanuts are the best).
7. Place bananas back in freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up again. Serve and enjoy.