Caribbean Tea Time " Cocoa Tea and Banana Fritters

Growing up on the island of Dominica, Bananas and Cocoa were staple ingredients and were harvested by most of the island farmers.These were used in various local island recipes. One of my favorites were ripe Banana fritters and Cocoa tea. The recipes are easy to prepare and its a great way to use very ripe Bananas. Caribbean cocoa can be found in most major cities local Caribbean Markets.

For the Banana Fritters

2 very ripe Bananas
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
2 Cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
oil for frying
Mash Bananas with a fork, add sugar, egg, milk and mix lightly.
Sift flour with baking powder add spices.
Add flour mixture to Banana mixture, along with vanilla extract mix lightly until mixture is combine. Set aside
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, drop batter by the spoonful and fry on both sides until golden about 3-5 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil
Serve warn can also served dusted with powered sugar

Caribbean Cocoa Tea
1 Medium Cocoa stick or ball Chopped in small pieces ( Can also be shredded on a grater)
2 cups water
2 cups carnation milk
1 cinnamon stick
2 Christmas bush( bay leaf will do)
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Sugar to taste
Bring cocoa, water cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to a boil, boil for 10-15 minutes until cocoa is dissolved.
Add milk and grated nutmeg, add sugar to taste and simmer for another 5 minutes

Remove from heat and strain in a fine sieve. Pour into mugs and serve hot. Serves 4