I have never been into science. I definitely have a "creative mind" in that way, and remember nothing of the biology classes I had to take during school. One of the more peculiar, scientific things I am aware of is the sensitivity coconut oil has to temperature. If you notice, it can be liquid like oil or as thick as butter (and sometimes thicker!) It is such a fascinating obsession of mine, beyond it's sometimes scientific characteristics.

Needless to say, there is nothing scientific about this dessert beyond the art direction and coconut capabilities. This is the simplest and most delicious snack, dessert or otherwise. You know that "chocolate shell" you'd get as a kid around ice cream? This is like that, but so much better and can easily be made raw. Coconut oil hardens into a shell around the banana INSTANTLY. It is a scientific experiment I'll never understand, but is amazing nonetheless.

If you don't like mint, experiment with other extracts! Try adding carob powder, macadamia nuts, or any topping you like. This recipe has infinite options and will be wonderful any way you prepare it, I promise. Enjoy this frozen treat for our last few days of summer, or if you're like me, anytime around the year.

PEPPERMINT FROZEN BANANA WITH CHOCOLATE COCONUT SHELL (Gluten-free, Vegan, Raw opt.)
Serves 4

2 organic bananas, halved
1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil, liquefied
1/4 cocoa or raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon peppermint or vanilla extract
2 tablespoons walnuts, finely chopped

1. Slice each banana in half and skewer one end with wooden stick or toothpick. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Warm coconut oil just enough to liquefy it completely. Whisk in cocoa or cacao powder, sweetener, and peppermint extract.
3. Create an assembly line of bananas, chocolate sauce and chopped walnuts. Dip banana in chocolate and very quickly coat in walnuts (the shell will form immediately, so if you're not fast enough you won't get any walnuts). Repeat for each banana.
4. Eat immediately or re-freeze.