How to Cook a Burro Banana

Burro bananas are a smaller, stubbier version of the typical Cavendish banana. Bananas are what many nutritionists refer to as a super food. They are low in fat and high in energy, with lots of potassium, fiber and vitamin B-6. You can prepare burros for the table in numerous ways.

The peel of a burro banana changes from dark green to bright yellow as the fruit ripens. Like its cousin, the Cavendish, the burro banana develops black spots when fully ripe. The flesh is soft and creamy on the outside, with a drier texture in the middle. The taste is mild and sweet with a hint of lemon. Burros are sometimes called chunky bananas. Although similar in appearance, burros are not the same species as plantains.

Banana bread is different from ordinary bread because it relies on baking soda or baking powder to add structure to the loaf rather than active yeast. Begin by adding a cup of mashed burro bananas to a cup of vanilla yogurt. In another bowl, mix margarine, sugar and beaten eggs. Stir in the banana mixture. Add flour, baking soda and salt to the mix and stir well. Pour the ingredients into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 F for 50 to 60 minutes. When the bread is fully cooked, a toothpick will come out of the loaf with no residue.

Making banana chips requires few ingredients and no kitchen expertise. Preheat your oven to 200 F. In the meantime, simply slice a couple of ripe burro bananas into thin pieces, and lay them out on nonstick cookie sheet. Spritz the slices with lemon juice. Place the bananas in the oven on the middle rack. Turn the banana slices every half hour. The bananas chips are done when they are crispy and golden. Sprinkle a dash of sea salt on the chips while they're sill hot to highlight the subtle flavors.

Bananas foster is a spectacular dessert combining hot, gooey bananas with cold ice cream. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Add spiced rum, sugar and vanilla extract. Wait for the mixture to darken and bubble, then add burro banana slices and walnuts. Cook the bananas and nuts for about a minute. Burnt banana flesh does not make for a pleasing dessert. Serve hot bananas and walnuts over ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Burro bananas can add zing to the traditional banana and vanilla wafer pudding. Line the bottom of a baking dish with banana slices. In another bowl, beat an 8-ounce block of low-fat cream cheese until soft and creamy. Add skim milk, vanilla yogurt and a dash of vanilla extract. Stir in some whipped topping. Pour the mixture over the bananas and top with vanilla wafers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve in small dishes with whipped cream on top.