This recipe is a favorite of Melinda's and she requested it often during a particularly rough patch in our lives. One night Diego treated Mary, Jenni, Emily, and Hannah to "X-Men II" at the movie theaters. Melinda, Katherine and I rented "Catch Me if You Can." I can't remember the rest of the menu, but the highlight was more than enough banana fritters and ice cream for the three of us. --- beth

The Batter
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon nutmeg (you can use cinnamon if you prefer)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup club soda

Add first four ingredients to a small, deep bowl and whisk in the club soda until smooth.

Slice several bananas into 1" thick pieces. Drop a handful into the prepared batter. Coat completely. Lower (with slotted spoon) coated banana pieces carefully into 3 cups vegetable oil in large deep pot (365 F or 185 C). I use a deep fat fryer (Fry Baby). Fry until golden brown about 2 minutes. Drain well on paper towels. Sprinkle with confectioners'  (or powdered or icing) sugar.

Serve with vanilla ice cream and jarred caramel sauce. Really decadent is to add homemade whipped cream.