Banana Corn Fritters

Banana Corn Fritters Recipe adapted from Eating Well.  Cornmeal is a whole grain, made primarily from cornmeal are considered grain foods, to reap as many of the benefits from cornmeal cornmeal, make sure the cornmeal you use is whole and not degermed. Degermed cornmeal loses important nutrients once it is milled, because milling takes away nutritious parts of the grain. Cornmeal is a good source of niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamins B-6, E and K. It contains 18 amino acids and valuable minerals. This is also better for you as it is "oven-fried" as opposed to deep fried.

Banana Corn Fritters are savory, smoky and slightly sweet. These are great with roast pork loin, a hearty bowl of black bean soup or barbecued chicken legs and coleslaw; dotted with creme fraiche, they make an exotic appetizer.

Recipe makes: 5 servings, 2 cakes each

Banana Corn Fritters

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes    

Ingredients:   
    1 1/4 cups roughly mashed bananas, (about 3 medium)
    1 large egg
    2 tablespoons milk, or buttermilk
    2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

    3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
    1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile, (see Ingredient note) or cayenne pepper

Preparation:
 Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
 Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and chipotle (or cayenne) in a medium bowl. Mix banana, egg and milk (or buttermilk) in another medium bowl. Add the cornmeal mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just incorporated.
 Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; using 2 tablespoons of batter for each, space 5 fritters evenly in the pan. Cook until golden brown, 30 seconds to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cook a second batch with the remaining oil and batter, adjusting heat to prevent burning.
 Transfer the fritters to the oven and bake until puffed and firm to the touch, 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips: Make Ahead Tip: Reheat at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers, often used to add heat and a smoky flavor to foods. Ground chipotle can be found in the specialty-spice section of most supermarkets.


                                                                      

regular banana fritter