Electrolux #splits: Banana Turon Split

It’s summer. It’s hot. I have a craving. I deserve a treat.

All valid causes for ice cream.

But today, my version of a banana split actually is for a good cause.

Foodbuzz is supporting Electrolux and Kelly Ripa in their effort to increase awareness of and raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) by sponsoring a posting challenge and Top 9 Takeover. For every Featured Publisher that creates and writes a post on a Banana Split, Foodbuzz will donate $50 to the OCRF, and they will be considered for a special Top 9 Takeover on Monday, July 19th. You too can help out by building your own virtual Banana Splits for a Cause at Kelly Confidential.

On a personal level, I just had to make a Banana Split for a Cause. Both my parents had cancer; one survived, one did not. I lost an aunt to ovarian cancer. This post is for them.

So, I know what you’re thinking. Where’s the banana? Oh, it’s in there. And it’s split!

Banana-Turon-Splits-5

When I thought about this challenge, I couldn’t help but call to mind all the tropical flavors of classic Philippine desserts. One of these is the Turon, a fantastic cross between a strudel and an egg roll, filled with sugar sweet ripe plantains and jackfruit. Not to be confused with the Spanish Turrón or Italian torrone, this is a different delicacy altogether, often sold by street vendors for an afternoon merienda (snack), or in my family’s case, as a dessert at gatherings. Although traditionally made with plantains, it can also be made with bananas, and this is exactly what I did today, since the plantains I bought for this split took maddeningly long to ripen. I will give you instructions on how to prepare Turon later in this post.

As for the rest of this shockingly colorful Banana Turon Split, I couldn’t resist using Magnolia Ice Cream, a treat that used to required a plane ride to Manila. These days, it can be found in your local Asian market, and I love its light and creamy texture, as well as its tropical flavors. I chose Coconut, Mango, and the purple Ube, or Taro flavors and topped it with ribbons of macapuno, a Philippine variety of coconut. The crunchy, caramelized bananas and jackfruit, creamy coconut and ube, and the sweet tang of mango served up giant spoonfuls of nostalgia…that did not require a plane ticket.

Banana Turon

Yield: Makes 18-20 pieces.

Ingredients:

6 medium bananas or 3 very ripe plantains*
1 can/jar Drained Jackfruit**
⅛ teaspoon brown sugar (for each turon)
egg roll or lumpia wrappers

Directions:

Cut banana in half, and split lengthwise (if too thick, consider cutting each half into three pieces). If using plantains, cut in half, then cut each half into 3 slices . Place on top of lumpia wrapper and top with 2 or 3 thin strips of jackfruit (to cover length of banana). Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon of sugar over top of fruit. Roll into shape of eggroll, seal edge with a dab of water. Fry in canola oil until golden brown on each side.

*Plantains need to be very ripe. You will know when the plantains are ready for use if the skin is dark, nearly black, and it peels easily.

**Jackfruit, or langka, is a very popular fruit in Southeast Asian cuisine, but can be difficult to find in the U.S. Jarred or canned jackfruit is readily available at the Asian grocer.

by Liren on July 16, 2010

51 Comments

« Previous Post

Belinda @zomppa — July 16, 2010 @ 7:31 am (#
1
)

Be-yu-tee-ful! That eggroll strudel looks awesome.
Jean — July 16, 2010 @ 7:34 am (#
2
)
Love your filipino version of the banana split. Ube ice cream is yummy! It’s just not safe to have around my house! :-) And the turon!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:22 am
  
  I agree, it is positively dangerous having ube ice cream in the house. I’m afraid I’ve been consuming a lot of it lately!
Brian @ A Thought For Food — July 16, 2010 @ 7:37 am (#
3
)
Another stunning post, Liren! You know, I’m not one for banana splits, but your turon look awesome!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:23 am
  
  Thanks, Brian! Don’t like banana splits? Well just go straight for the turon, then!!!
Cristina - TeenieCakes — July 16, 2010 @ 7:59 am (#
4
)
This sundae makes me smile…happy, fresh colors and originality. Nicely done for such an important cause.
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:23 am
  
  Thanks, Cristina! I love the happy colors in this too!
Gina Stanley — July 16, 2010 @ 8:06 am (#
5
)
I’m loving that purple ice cream, I have to find me some of that! Thanks for supporting such a great cause, sorry it’s affected you!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:24 am
  
  Hope you do get to try the ube ice cream – it’s one of my favorites!
roxan — July 16, 2010 @ 8:08 am (#
6
)
Ooo, this banana split looks like absolute heaven.
Are filipina? My husband is half! :)
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:25 am
  
  Hi Roxan. Yes, I am!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' — July 16, 2010 @ 9:26 am (#
7
)
What a colorful and original creation for a worthy cause. I’ve never had purple Ube ice cream or turon but would love to try them!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:25 am
  
  Hello Priscilla! Oh, you must try the turon…and the ube ice cream. If you’ve ever had taro frozen yogurt, it’s quite similar!
Julie Gardner — July 16, 2010 @ 11:29 am (#
8
)
Love, love, love this twist on the split :)

You have me craving turon this week!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:26 am
  
  Thanks, Julie!! Wish I could ship a batch to you!!!
Mary at Deep South Dish — July 16, 2010 @ 11:38 am (#
9
)
Great take on a gourmet split! Good luck!!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:26 am
  
  Thank you, Mary!
Joy — July 16, 2010 @ 11:59 am (#
10
)
I love that you used turon. Now I want some macapuno ice cream :D
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:27 am
  
  I’ve been going to town on the macapuno ice cream, combined with an extra heaping of macapuno on top…need to work out a little extra this week :)
Rachel @ Working Out Wellness — July 16, 2010 @ 12:49 pm (#
11
)
Awesome pictures! I’m so happy to see how everyone’s splits ended up different from mine. Just goes to show the flexibility in any traditional dessert or meal.
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:27 am
  
  Thanks! It really is remarkable all the creativity and flavors that have emerged for this benefit!
Marisa — July 16, 2010 @ 1:10 pm (#
12
)
What a cool take on a banana split! Love it!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:28 am
  
  Thanks, Marisa! I’m glad you like it :)
Jun Belen — July 16, 2010 @ 1:27 pm (#
13
)
OMG! Turon!! With ube ice cream… yummy! Definitely perfect for summer!!!
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:28 am
  
  Absolutely perfect for summer (though I’d be happy to eat this any time of the year!).
Lando — July 16, 2010 @ 1:51 pm (#
14
)
What a great post featuring turon. Our banana split post that we submitted features turon also. It’s a unique way to add some Filipino flare to the dessert.
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:29 am
  
  Lando, like I said on your blog, great minds think alike. I LOVE how you added Nutella to your turon! I am definitely trying that next time.
Magic of Spice — July 16, 2010 @ 7:16 pm (#
15
)
Very original and very beautiful:)
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:29 am
  
  Thank you!
Ruby — July 17, 2010 @ 12:53 am (#
16
)
Beautiful colours! Those ice cream containers look like paint pots! But yummier…
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:29 am
  
  Ruby, you’re right! They do look like paint pots!!
Tracey@TangledNoodle — July 17, 2010 @ 10:03 am (#
17
)
Excellent banana turon split! I miss Magnolia ice cream (my favorite was mais); although I can find it here, it’s quite expensive. With that said, this is such a special treat, it may well be worth the cost go enjoy this truly fantastic Filipino twist on the split! 8-)
- Liren replied: — July 19th, 2010 @ 12:31 am
  
  Thanks, Tracey! It’s true, the price of Magnolia can be more expensive, but I’ve noticed the prices have gone down in the last few years. Plus there was a sale at my local Asian grocer (yay!). It’s still cheaper than a plane ticket though!!!
Mhel B — July 19, 2010 @ 5:55 pm (#
18
)
I have been inactive from Fb for a while… glad to see this Pinoy version of Banana split. very brilliant! I love turron with langka! Buti, there’s magnolia in your place…. U
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 10:53 am
  
  Yes, I’m so fortunate that Magnolia is now available here. If only they offered their Magnolia chocolate milk, too. Do they still sell that there?
Judy — July 19, 2010 @ 10:07 pm (#
19
)
I love the Filipino twist on your banana split with the tropical ice cream flavors! Cancer affects so many lives… Glad you made this for a good cause.
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 10:54 am
  
  Thanks Judy – I’m glad you liked it!
Rick — July 20, 2010 @ 4:24 pm (#
20
)
Wow! I could go for that right now!
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 10:59 am
  
  Thanks, Rick – it really is a very tasty banana split!
Trish — July 20, 2010 @ 6:52 pm (#
21
)
Such a creative way to make a banana split! Thank you for sharing your story. A good cause, indeed. Cheers!
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 11:01 am
  
  Thank you, Trish! I’m so glad you liked it :)
Thella @ I Love. Therefore, I Cook. — July 20, 2010 @ 7:57 pm (#
22
)
+1,000 points because it’s a Filipino dessert! :) love the idea, never thought of a turon banana split before and that dessert/merienda is just right before my eyes like all the time! well-done :) a fellow foodie tagged me as a versatile blogger but, no doubt, you deserve it more. hence, i forward the versatile blogger award to you :)
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 11:03 am
  
  Thella, thank you! I’m so flattered that you thought of me for the versatile blogger award – I am really honored!
Ruby — July 21, 2010 @ 6:53 am (#
23
)
Hi Liren – I featured your banana split on my Weekly WOW! I thought you did a great job with it!
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 11:04 am
  
  Hi Ruby – thank you so much for featuring it on your Weekly WOW! That is so thoughtful, and I am honored to be featured with such beautiful creations!
Jessica — July 21, 2010 @ 3:08 pm (#
24
)
What a beautiful and unique split! Thanks for sharing these flavors and recipes with us. I always enjoy learning about different flavors from across the world!
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 11:06 am
  
  Thanks Jessica! The beauty of these global flavors is that we can easily find them now in the US! Travelling by grocery store is always fun :)
denise @ quickies on the dinner table — July 22, 2010 @ 12:04 am (#
25
)
Wow!! This is gorgeous – the colours are just stunning!

LOVE the ube ice cream, jackfruit and macapuno! I think I’ll make me a tropical sundae for dessert! See, what you’ve done?!?!
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 11:06 am
  
  I’m happy to enable, Denise!! Enjoy your dessert!!
Joy — July 22, 2010 @ 8:29 am (#
26
)
Liren

Beautiful banana split, man it looks good. Like what is better than fried bananas with ice cream…oh right, nothing. :)

Sorry to hear about your loss, it is great you are doing this for such a great cause. If only more people in this world had as beautiful of a heart as yours! Have a great weekend…I am now craving something fried. Poo -_-
- Liren replied: — July 23rd, 2010 @ 11:08 am
  
  Hi Joy! Thanks for stopping by – I’m so glad you liked it – I agree, fried bananas and ice cream rock. Your banana split was AMAZING – just stunning, really. I’m so glad we both got to create lovely splits for such a good cause. It affects too many people.