Deep-Fried Bananas

Ingredients

 * 4 large, ripe bananas, cut in half width-wise, and then each half, in half again, length-wise
 * 1/2 cup cold soy milk
 * 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
 * 1 cup unbleached flour
 * 2 tbsp dry sweetener
 * 1 tbsp cinnamon or Chinese five-spice powder
 * 1/2 tsp baking powder
 * sparkling water or club soda, as needed
 * 1/2 - 1 cup extra unbleached flour, for dredging bananas
 * oil for deep frying

Directions

 * 1) In a deep pot, heat four inches of oil to 350 degrees F.
 * 2) Make sure it is the correct temperature!
 * 3) In a medium bowl, combine the soy milk and lemon juice or white vinegar.
 * 4) Stir in the dry ingredients until well-combined.
 * 5) Add sparkling water or club soda and stir lightly and quickly until the batter is of pancake batter consistency.
 * 6) Do not over mix or the finished product will be leaden.
 * 7) Dredge banana slices lightly in the extra flour, then dip thoroughly in the batter.
 * 8) Drop in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently, until they are a beautiful golden colour.
 * 9) Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and let rest on paper towel to absorb excess oil.
 * 10) Keep these hot in a 250 degree F. oven. Repeat with remaining banana slices.
 * 11) Serve these with generous dollops of vanilla soy ice cream, and/or chocolate sauce, and/or caramel sauce, and/or vegan "whipped cream".