This weekend, I finished my first double digit long run of 10 miles! What an accomplishment. I am running the Chicago Urbanathlon this Saturday. Nervous and excited, I can’t wait to visit the city of Oprah. I’m trying to plan out my trip, so if you have been or live there and have a suggestion, please leave your favorite place I must check out below in the comments!
Sweet Tooth Recipe Time
I have been cooking up a storm lately! There is something about fall weather that makes me want to get creative in the kitchen or discover my next go-to quickie recipe. Recipe trial and error can be expensive so I usually play it pretty safe. Since I use bananas on a regular basis, frequently I watch them turn to a lovely shade of brown. Your old bananas should NEVER go unused. Typically, I peel them and freeze the bananas in chunks. I decided to recreate a favorite Trader Joe’s frozen dessert “Gone Bananas” with my own twist, coconut. I was very happy with the result and saved myself a few dollars in the process. The result tastes like ice cream bon bons! This recipe is a keeper and quick fix for a sweet tooth. I also love these because it’s hard to eat too many. I have to eat them slowly because the frozen fruit hurts for my teeth to chew.
Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas Servings: 4 Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 Ripe Bananas
- 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened Coconut (Optional)
Directions:
Peel ripe bananas. I like to use ones that are very rips (brown spots and all). Cut up into 1-2 inch bites. Put chocolate chips into a microwave for 30-45 seconds in a microwave safe dish. Stir well until all chips are melted and chocolate is a smooth consistency. Using two toothpicks place banana bites into chocolate and roll around to coat. Place chocolate covered banana chunks on a piece of wax paper. If desired, sprinkle with coconut flakes. Once all banana chunks are covered, place in the freezer to harden. If chocolate begins to dry up, do not try microwaving it again, it will not work. Heat up more chocolate if you run out. Place bites into a freezer friendly Tupperware to store.
Yum! This sounds so delicious and simple. I’m definitely going to give them a try!
I was in Chicago for a conference once. The Chicago ZOO is definitely a must-see and it is free if I’m not mistaken!! One of the only free zoos in the entire country. They have 2 ape species (gorillas and loads of chimps), which are amazing to watch. They even do touch screen work with the chimps there! Also, many exhibits are outside so it’s a wonderful place to go and enjoy fall weather. The large cat exhibit, particularly the lion area, is amazing!
I finished my 10 mile run on Saturday too…I’m definitely ready to take on the Urbanathlon this weekend 🙂
I’d say a walk through Millenium Park (if it’s nice out) or down State Street (shopping!) would be fun. Also, I haven’t been yet, but the Skydeck at the Sears Tower (technically Willis Tower now…) is supposed to be really awesome and a good view of the city. There are also a lot of fun bars if you’re planning on going out Saturday night (which I recommend).
During the race we’ll be running back and forth throughout the city so that’ll be a good way to see part of Chicago as well…while running between obstacles try to take in the scenery. Who knows it might help it pass by quicker!
Good luck this weekend…maybe i’ll see you on the course 🙂
Good luck to you too Rachel! If you see me, please do not hesitate to say hi! I’ll be wearing bright accessories so I’m hard to miss 🙂
Hey Sarah,
Good luck this weekend! I love Chicago and I had an amazing brunch with my family at Gioco’s. If you’re looking for a place to eat, I highly recommend it: http://www.giocorestaurant.com/
Have a great time.
Alanna
I’ve made these before but put an almond on top of each piece. Delicious!
Just bought myself some ingredients! I got crushed walnuts for on top AND I found a peanutbutter/milk chocolate chip! I’m gonna try that on a few! Can’t wait!
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These bonbons are awesome, aren’t they? I just made a similar version. But I like your idea of topping with coconut. Did you toast the coconut first, btw?