How to build a banana split

1 comment by Karen Fernau
The Arizona Republic

Step-by-step visual guide
Nothing combines tradition and decadence as well as the banana split. And nothing hits the spot better in hot weather.
Although the treat is easy to make, ice cream purists say it's important to follow these time-honored procedures:

1. Begin by selecting a ripe, firm banana with no brown spots or other blemishes. Use a sharp paring knife to cut off about 1 inch from both ends. Next, slice a vertical line down the center of the banana peel, making sure not to slice into the fruit. Repeat on the opposite side. Remove half the peel, and slice the banana in half while still in the remaining half of the peel.
2. Remove the banana halves from the peel and place in the bottom of a shallow bowl or banana-split dish. Dip a stainless-steel ice cream scoop in cold water before scooping out the three flavors -- vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. (The cold water makes it easier to scoop the ice cream and drop into a dish.) Place a scoop of each flavor over the banana, with vanilla in the middle.
3. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of strawberry topping over the strawberry ice cream, crushed pineapple over the vanilla and chocolate syrup over the chocolate.
4. Squirt a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each scoop.
5. Sprinkle chopped almonds on top.
6. Top each scoop with a maraschino cherry.
7. For the last and best step, grabs a spoon and begin eating a dessert that has maintained its popularity for decades.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/food/cooking101/articles/cook101_bananasplit.html#ixzz2gTavehfX