Bananacon (Bacon-Wrapped Banana Poppers)

The summer is a wonderful time, folks.  Full of long days and cool drinks, relaxation and busy travel.  It's that unique time of the year when you feel like your wildest dreams could be realized.  ...Even if those wildest dreams involve checking a few long-overdue home improvement projects off your to-do list. *ahem*

Since anything is possible, why not put bananas and bacon together for a sweet and savory appetizer or treat?

I can't claim credit for this idea.  A computer game that Kyle sometimes likes to play, called Starbound, has a feature where you can make food in-game.  One of the things you can make is called... you guessed it, bananacon!  Get it?  Like, banana + bacon =... BananaCon?  A convention for bananas?  Wait.  That's not quite right.

 

Source: http://starbound.wikia.com/wiki/Bananacon

Anyway, I decided to recreate them, à la Gourmet Gaming.  And let me tell you, these are even more delicious than they sound.  So kick back, enjoy your summer and this little treat.  You've earned it.

 

Ready for the oven!

Sweety-savory-gooey goodness.

Bananacon (Bacon-Wrapped Banana Poppers)

(Adapted from Naked Avocado)

3 bananas, each cut into 5 pieces

8 slices of bacon, each cut in half

2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

10 toothpicks (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Wrap each chunk of banana with a piece of bacon, optionally securing with a toothpick.
3. Place each wrapped banana on a baking sheet, and drizzle the maple syrup or honey on top of each banana.
4. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flip, and then drizzle a little of the maple syrup or honey on the other side.
5. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bacon is completely cooked.