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What fruit is long (sometimes not so long), yellow, delicious and can be grown in Iceland? Yes, the banana. Early Christians in India were told that the "forbidden" fruit of the Old Testament was not the apple but the banana, and that Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with banana leaves (which would have worked much better). The banana leaf has many uses where bananas grow: as a food wrapper for steaming, a plate, a tablecloth, a lunch bag (when twisted into a cone) and as roof thatching. We could also use it as an umbrella! We are fortunate to have this fruit available to us all year round and at a more reasonable price than other fruits.

WHOLE WHEAT

BANANA MUFFINS

1 c. each, flour and whole wheat flour

1/4 c. wheat germ

1 t. each, baking soda and baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1-1/3 c. mashed very ripe bananas (about 3 large)

1/2 c. + 2 T. sugar

1/4 c. canola or vegetable oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, combine remaining ingredients, mixing well. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. (I tend to mix too much so I fold in the dry ingredients. Too much mixing will make the muffins peak). Spoon batter into 16 paper lined or greased muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-23 minutes or until muffins test done. Note: If you don't have enough mashed bananas for required amount, add applesauce to the measurement required. Also, if you only have a pan with 12 muffin cups, bake the rest in a small oven-proof glass or metal pan.

Makes 16 muffins.

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SUGARLESS BANANA WALNUT CAKE

2/3 c. mashed bananas (2 medium)

1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened

3 eggs

2 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1 t. each, baking soda and cinnamon

3/4 c. water

1 c. chopped walnuts

In a mixing bowl, beat bananas and butter until creamy. Add eggs and beat well. Combine next 4 ingredients in a bowl; add to banana mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition. Stir in nuts. Spoon into a greased and lightly floured 9" square baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until tests done. Cool on wire rack.

Makes 9 servings.

Note: You can use a 9" pie plate and cut pieces in wedges. Top with a little whipped cream...

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BANANA SPLIT SALAD

1 - 8 oz. can crushed pineapple

2 c. water

1 - 3 oz. pkg. lemon flavored gelatin

8 large marshmallows, snipped in fourths

2 medium bananas, sliced

2 t. lemon juice

1/4 c. sugar

5 t. flour

Dash salt

1 egg, beaten

1 T. butter or margarine

1 c. heavy cream, whipped

1/4 c. chopped pecans

Drain pineapple, saving 1/2 c. juice; set aside. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil; remove from heat. Add gelatin and marshmallows; stir until dissolved. Chill until partially set. In a small bowl, sprinkle lemon juice over bananas, stirring gently to coat. Pour into an 8" square dish. Chill until firm.

In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg and the 1/2 c. pineapple juice, cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter. Cool completely. Fold in whipped cream; spread over gelatin. Sprinkle with pecans. Chill 8 to 10 hours or overnight.

Makes 9 servings.

Thought for the Day: No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

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