So I recently joined the Foodie Blogroll, which is an amazing network of tons of food bloggers from around the world. If you peek at my sidebar, you'll see the cute red and orange box with all sorts of fun Foodie links. :)

Can I tell you how excited I was to find out that the forum associated with the Blogroll does a monthly cooking challenge? I love The Daring Bakers, but I love cooking too, so finding the "Royal Foodie Joust" had me hopping like a crazed bunny! The winner from the previous month picks three ingredients, then the people cooking have to come up with (or re-make) a recipe using those items. However, this month was pre-picked, to honour a "My Caribbean Cookbook: Tastes Like Home" from Cynthia at Tastes Like Home.

What did I have to work with, you ask? Coconut (or coconut milk), rice, and bananas! Simple enough right? HA! While my recipe turned out wildly delicious, it was not the prettiest dish in the world. You've been warned... lol


Coconut milk risotto with candied brown sugar bananas

2/3 c. arborio rice
1/2 Tbsp. butter
1 can coconut milk + 2/3 can of water (heated together in a small saucepan)
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. clear vanilla extract

1 banana, peeled and sliced diagonally
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar

For the risotto:

1. Melt butter in skillet. Toast arborio rice in the butter for about 2 minutes.
2. Add coconut milk+water 1 ladle full at a time. Stir after each addition, until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid and a line remains when a spoon is drawn through it. Never ever ever ever leave the stove or stop stirring. Not only is risotto tempermental to begin with, coconut milk adds the extra concern of scorching.
3. Once all of the liquid is added, add in the sugar and vanilla.
4. Take off heat and let cool. You can add in another 1/2 Tbsp. of butter if you want to.

For the bananas:

1. Melt butter in a small skillet. Stir in brown sugar, and let bubble slightly.
2. Toss in banana coins and toss lightly until coated. Cook over low for 1-2 minutes.
3. Let cool, until the sugar has rehardened slightly.
4. Top risotto with sugared bananas.

I know he's not the most attractive thing to look at, but he's got personality, right?! That's what my mom always said mattered most... :)