Recipes with bananas

If you cannot find fresh peaches, use frozen ones (they will further thicken the smoothie). Peaches were first cultivated in China where they are considered a symbol of immortality and friendship. Nutritionally, they are a good source of selenium and vitamins A and C. Chia seeds are not only a complete protein, but supply the much needed omega-3 fatty acids missing from so many modern diets.

Feed your hungry family with this hearty casserole that is made with mushrooms and peppers.

Colombian banana cake made with yellow cake mix, Coca-Cola, ripe bananas, and chopped nuts. A quirky semi-homemade recipe that bakes up moist and irresistible.

Chicken thighs simmered in coconut cream with curry powder, cumin, ginger, and a whole ripe banana for natural sweetness. A rich, aromatic 25-minute curry loaded with vegetables and bold spice.

Filipino sinigang na bangus featuring milkfish simmered in a tart tamarind broth with tomatoes, green beans, banana heart, and wilted spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Moist butter pecan banana cake built on yellow cake mix with butter pecan pudding, mashed banana, and toasted pecans baked in a tube pan. A doctored-mix cake that tastes like it took all day.

Banana cake with peanut butter cream cheese icing and chopped peanuts. Tender buttermilk crumb, classic Elvis-style flavor pairing in sheet cake form. Refrigerate before serving.

Chicken pox pancakes: pancake stacks decorated with banana eyes and mouth, strawberry chunk spots, and powdered sugar pus. Halloween or sick-day kids' breakfast.

A great way to start off the day, the king's favorite.

Yellow cake studded with mandarin oranges and pecans, topped with a cooked pineapple glaze, sliced bananas, and a fluffy vanilla pudding-Cool Whip frosting loaded with coconut and nuts.

Jamaican banana bread custard with dark rum, apricot preserves, and a rich egg custard baked over bread and ripe bananas. Warm, tropical bread pudding.

Frozen fruit salad with strawberry Jello, pink lemonade, whipped topping, peaches, grapes, bananas, and cherries. Molded in a loaf pan and sliced to serve. A retro potluck classic.

Banana chocolate chip bars with whole wheat flour, mashed ripe bananas, and mini chocolate morsels, dusted with powdered sugar. A bake-and-share sheet bar that yields a crowd.

Banana split pie is a no-bake banana dessert that is easy to make and serve. Nothing says summer better than banana splits, and this family favorite will not disappoint.

A buttery banana sour cream cake swirled with cinnamon-brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and chocolate chips. Part coffee cake, part banana bread, all comfort. Feeds 16 happy people.

Banana fritters in a nutmeg-spiced batter, deep-fried until golden and tossed in powdered sugar. A quick stovetop dessert ready in under 25 minutes.