Jumbo Island Cookies
What do you do with bananas about to go bad?  Here is a scrumptious cookie recipe that uses very ripe bananas.  But I warn you, you cannot eat just one.  The bananas keep this cookie moist and add a lovely depth to the flavor.
1 2/3 cup flour 3/4 tsp baking flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp nutmeg 6 Tbsp butter at room temperature 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup mashed banana 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups chocolate chips 1 cup flaked coconut 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Sift together flour, baking power, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.  Set aside.  Using a mixer at high speed, beat butter for 2 minutes.  Add sugar and mashed banana.  Beat for 3 minutes.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  Turn speed to low and add flour mixture.  When incorporated, turn off mixer.  Stir in chocolate chips, coconut, and macadamia nuts.

Using an ice cream scoop (coat with oil so this gooey batter doesn't stick too badly), drop onto a greased cookie sheet (or use Silpat).  Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees, until lightly golden.  Let cool 1-2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Happy eating!!

June 2007