I’m counting the days until summer vacation, just like I did when I was a kid (23 more school days in case you’re wondering). I can’t wait to spend my summer days with my girlfriends and the kids doing all of our favorite things. The chocolate covered banana was invented at one place we seem to frequent all summer long. Any guesses? It’s also home of the chocolate covered ice cream “Balboa Bar”. Hint. Hint! It’s the charming little town, Balboa Island in Newport Beach.

I have been going there since I was little and I have made some great memories there. My son loves the rickety old penny ball arcade. And I’m sure the skee balls are the same ones we rolled when we were kids. There’s also the ferris wheel originally built in 1936. I guess they’ve updated it, but whenever I’m riding on it I’m sure I’m risking my life.

You can’t visit Balboa Island without being enticed with mass quantities of junk food. The old fashioned candy shop has barrels of the best peppermint taffy in the world (which is where our day usually starts. Are we the poster family for healthy eating, or what?) The candy shop happens to be across from Starbucks, which thankfully is still one of the only chains that has been able to get onto the island. But you can’t leave the island without trying a chocolate covered banana or a Balboa bar. It’s where these recipes originated, so the story goes. But today, I’ve got something better than a chocolate covered banana… a chocolate covered banana martini rimmed with chocolate and crushed nuts. This is a good one!!

Speaking of chocolate, I’m giving away my new favorite baking item that bakes up amazing chocolate treats this week and I can’t wait to share it with you. Check back tomorrow for details! I’m super excited about this!~

Chocolate Covered Banana Martini

1 1/2 ounce vodka

1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1 ounce Banana Schnapps

Splash of whipping cream

Hot Fudge

Peanuts, finely chopped

1.  Rim glasses in hot fudge then dip in finely chopped peanuts.

2.  Pour vodka, Baileys, Banana Schnapps and cream in a martini shaker with ice.

3.  Shake for 45 seconds and pour into rimmed martini glasses.  Garnish with banana slice.