Mini Banana Pies

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz all-purpose flour
• 4 oz sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
• 4 tbsp milk or water
• 4 bananas, ripe and peeled
• 1 egg, beaten
• 8 oz chocolate chips or caramel sauce for topping

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the oil or melted butter. Add milk or water and mix to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
4. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
5. In the meantime, slice the bananas and set aside.
6. When the pastry is ready, top each piece with banana slices and pour chocolate chips or caramel sauce over them.
7. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate or caramel.
8. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 300-350 calories depending on the size of the pie and the ingredients used.
• Fat: Approx. 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g
• Protein: Approx. 5-7g

Dish Characteristics:

• Mini Banana Pies are small and portable, perfect for after-dinner dessert or as a snack.
• The combination of bananas and chocolate or caramel creates a sweet and rich flavor that Americans often enjoy.
• The pastry is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delightful contrast in texture.

User Comments:

1. "These mini banana pies are fantastic! The combination of banana and chocolate is always a winner." - John Doe
2. "I love how portable these are. Great for taking to a party or as a late-night snack." - Jane Smith
3. "The pastry was perfectly crisp and the banana filling was so tasty." - Alice Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure that the bananas are ripe and fresh for best results.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips or caramel sauce for enhanced flavor.
• Handle the dough gently to avoid stretching it, which can affect the texture of the pastry.
• Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.