OLD FASHIONED BANANA SPLIT

Summer is in full swing with weekend barbecues and family reunions.  So what could be better, after a hot afternoon of grilling, than good old fashioned banana splits for dessert? These FAST and EASY home made toppings will take your ice cream desserts to a whole new level of yummy-ness !!

FUDGE TOPPING

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 2/3 cups white sugar
1 and ¼ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

In a large sauce pan, over medium heat, combine the cocoa, sugar and milk. Bring it to a boil (stirring) and let it boil for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Tastes good warm or cold.


FRESH STRAWBERRY TOPPING
1 pound ripe strawberries (washed and hulled)
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chop the strawberries into medium size pieces (I use the food processor) and cook them in a heavy bottomed sauce pan with the water and sugar until it gets nice and thick. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and chill.


PRALINE TOPPING (this is sinfully delicious!!)
¼ cup butter
1¼ cups brown sugar (packed)
16 large marshmallows
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
dash of salt
1 cup of evaporated (canned) milk
½ cup toasted pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the sugar, marshmallows, syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for one minute. Remove from heat and cool for five minutes. Stir in evaporated milk, nuts and vanilla, mix well. This is good warm or cold.