Having just returned from my UK trip armed with tales of gathering elderflowers at dawn (well not exactly dawn; sunrise is at 4am over there at the moment); salade nicoise draped with fresh anchovies; spectacular fish and chips – and other culinary snippets that I’ll make sense of in my next blog, here’s something easy to be going on with, especially if you’re planning a BBQ party…a delicious dessert with plenty of ‘Ooh’ factor, that bakes on the still-hot coals while guests are busy tucking into their burgers and ribs.

On the other hand, there’s nothing to stop you making this for one (or two) and sticking it in a 350F/180C oven for 12 minutes.

All you’ll need is a spoon as everyone unwraps and eats it straight from their own parcel so clean up is minimal,  making it popular with whoever gets to do the dishes.

Offer some really good vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for folks to dollop onto their hot fruit.

Barbecued Bananas with Orange, Vanilla, Cinnamon & Mint

BBQ’d BANANAS with ORANGE, VANILLA, CINNAMON & MINT

(One banana parcel per person)

Ingredients / Action:

One medium-ripe banana, halved lengthways and arranged in the center of a square of lightly buttered foil that’s large enough to make a roomy, sealed parcel.

On top of each banana, place a piece of cinnamon stick (approx 1 inch / 25mm); a piece of vanilla bean of similar size; two segments of fresh orange, membranes removed; one tablespoon of fresh orange juice; a few drops of lemon juice; a heaped teaspoon of soft brown sugar sprinkled over. It wouldn’t hurt to add a splash of dark rum or Grand Marnier either but that’s up to you, as its wonderful without.

Crimp the edges of the foil together to seal the parcel and bake on the hot grill for 10-12 minutes.

Eat straight from the parcel, topped with some finely shredded mint leaves and cream or ice cream.