Small bites

Things that come packaged in a petite format better be bringing it in other departments, if you know what I mean. I'm talking about flavor, people! If you want to wow your guests with some impressive appetizers or canapes at your next cocktail party, don't get carried away with the cutest darn toothpick you've ever seen in your life. Do yourself a favor and don't forget about flavor.

Banana Crepe Lollipops

8 Crepes, recipe follows
1/2 cup chocolate sauce
4 bananas
1/3 cup roasted almonds, chopped
25-30 bamboo skewers or lollipop sticks

Crepes
(yield: about 10 crepes)

2 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup flour
2 tbsp sugar
pinch salt
3 tbsp butter, melted
nonstick cooking spray, as needed


Whisk everything together in a medium bowl (or blender). Refrigerate batter for at least 1/2 hour.

Preheat a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat, and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 2 oz of crepe batter into the pan, while swirling it to get an even, thin layer. Cook 30-40 seconds, flip crepe, and cook for a few more seconds. Repeat, until you run out of batter.

Assemble the Banana Crepe Lollipops:
Arrange 4 crepes onto your work surface. Top each with 1 tbsp of chocolate sauce, and spread in an even layer. Top with a second crepe, and another layer of chocolate sauce.

Place peeled banana onto the bottom third of each crepe, and roll up tightly like a burrito. Slice each roll into 1 1/2 inch rounds. Insert sticks into each round, securing the crepe. Sprinkle with chopped almonds.