Banana Boats

Pick large bananas with tips the barest green. If the bananas have any brown spots, they're too ripe. Served warm, all melted and gooey, it's like having s'mores and bananas without the graham wafer.

4 large bananas
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or small pieces chocolate bar
1 cup mini marshmallows
Four 12- by 12-inch squares aluminum foil

Preheat grill on high.

Balance bananas so that bottoms rest on work surface. Using a knife, split top of banana lengthwise to create opening, like a canoe. Don't peel. Spread peels apart to make pocket. Place about 1 tablespoon chocolate pieces and 1/4 cup marshmallows in pocket between banana and the peel of each banana. Bring peel edges together as closely as possible and wrap each banana in foil.

Grill banana packages for 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat. Lower heat to low and cook an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Rich Chocolate Sauce

Just before serving, cut a pound cake or angel food cake into slices about 1-inch thick. Brush with melted butter and grill on preheated, cleaned and lightly oiled rack or grill screen until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes over medium heat. Serve warm with sauce or with sliced fruit and sauce.

This, along with the other sauces below, can be made ahead and refrigerated until needed. Reheat in microwave until warm, stirring often. 1/2 3 oz (90 g) unsweetened chocolate 1/2 cup milk

3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar, to taste
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla

In 4-cup glass measure or similar size microwavable bowl, combine chocolate and milk. Microwave, uncovered, at High (100 per cent) 2 to 3 minutes, or until chocolate melts. Stir to help melting.

Stir in sugar until dissolved. Microwave at High for 30 to 60 seconds to dissolve sugar completely, if necessary.

Stir in butter until melted. Add vanilla and serve warm, or store in covered jar in refrigerator.

Makes 1 1/2 cups.