Bananas Foster Bread Spread (Kopie)

*****Sometimes when people show up unannounced (“the pop-in”) or you’re hosting company over between meals or late at night, you sometimes wonder what to serve that’s not too heavy nor too light. Personally, I try to keep any appetizers or food I make very simple so I am not stressed. A great way to do that is by having some gourmet bread on hand and being able to whip up a bread spread. In 15 minutes flat, you can have a lovely treat for company to munch on.

My husband and I love gourmet bread, but hate for it to be expensive or taste stale/old once you get home. Luckily we’ve discovered Ecce Panis bread while shopping at Walmart. It’s a take-and-bake bread which means you can have fresh baked bread in minutes.

Usually when you think of bread spreads you think of garlic butter, herb butter, olive oil or a simple jam/compote. Well, I thought I’d get creative and use one of my favorite desserts as an inspiration for a spread that’s perfect for brunch or perfect for a late night Wii marathon with friends. It’s sweet, creamy and requires ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients:

-Package of Ecce Panis baguettes
-2 RIPE bananas (I used 1.5 bananas)
-1 block of fat free cream cheese
-2 tbsp of caramel topping
-1/4 cup of chopped pecans
-1/3 cup Splenda/Sugar
-1 tsp of vanilla extract (not shown)

Now, for this spread I didn’t use anything but a big spoon and a bowl. No mixers, etc. are needed as long as you pick ripe bananas and let your cream cheese get to room temperature.

Step 1- Preheat oven to 375 and set your timer for 9 minutes. Pop your baguettes in the oven and grab a large spoon and bowl.

Step 2- Slice up bananas into the bowl. I started off with 1 banana and then ended up adding another 1/2 of a banana to get that flavor profile to come across more.

Step 3- Add in block of cream cheese and vanilla extract. Combine and mush bananas as you go.

Step 4- Once your bananas, cream cheese and vanilla extract are all in harmony, add in 2 tbsp of caramel topping.

Step 5- Add in 1/3 cup of sugar. You can add more or less depending on how sweet you want your spread. I wanted mine slightly sweet. Mix until all ingredients are combined.

Step 6- Put that in the freezer for about 5 minutes while we get the bread out of the oven. Slice it on the diagonal, about 1/4 inch thick per slice.

Step 7- Now grab a large plate, place your spread in a small ramekin and top with pecans (note: if your guests have nut allergies, you might want to half the spread or leave the pecans to the side as an option). Place your bread around the plate.

If you make this ahead of time, make sure to keep the spread chilled in the fridge. Since it has cream cheese, you don’t want it to be sitting out for a long period of time.

The spread is so good over warm Ecce Panis bread. It’s creamy, has good flavors like banana and caramel and the pecans add that bit of bite to it that sends this spread from ordinary to fab. This spread would be great on anything. And really, when the ingredients/flavors all compliment each other, you can’t go wrong. So, I know Easter is coming up and for those who have to plan Easter Meals, maybe you can do something like this? Just an idea.