Deep-Fried Bananas

Description
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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
 * 1/2 - 1 cup extra unbleached flour, for dredging bananas
 * oil for deep frying
 * oil for deep frying

Directions

 * In a deep pot, heat four inches of oil to 350 degrees F. Make sure it is the correct temperature!

In a medium bowl, combine the soy milk and lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir in the dry ingredients until well-combined. Add sparkling water or club soda and stir lightly and quickly until the batter is of pancake batter consistency. Do not over mix or the finished product will be leaden.

Dredge banana slices lightly in the extra flour, then dip thoroughly in the batter. 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. Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and let rest on paper towel to absorb excess oil. Keep these hot in a 250 degree F. oven. Repeat with remaining banana slices.

Serve these with generous dollops of vanilla soy ice cream, and/or chocolate sauce, and/or caramel sauce, and/or vegan "whipped cream".