Recipe: Banana Cream Nalysnyky … Dessert crépes, Ukrainian style!

This delightful recipe aired on Nash Holos on April 19, Easter Sunday on the Julian calendar.

Just a little warning. It’s not what most North Americans would consider a “traditional” Ukrainian recipe. A diaspora variation, maybe ... as nalysnyky (crépes) are very well-known, and very well-loved by Ukrainians the world over!

However, this recipe comes direct from Ukraine ... Judy got it from her Chocha (auntie) Pawlina when she was visiting her a few years back. So it’s certainly an authentic Ukrainian recipe!

Incidentally, it was on that trip that Judy got her first taste of this incredible dessert... and she wasn’t too inclined to share. (You can hear that story here.)

Of course, after trying this recipe, anyone could understand why! :-) So, here it is:

Banana Cream Nalysnyky

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3 tbsp. water
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pint whipping cream
3 Tbsp sugar
3-4 medium bananas

Beat the eggs until light. Stir in milk and water, then mix in flour and salt and beat until smooth.

Butter a small frying pan lightly and heat well. Pour a few tablespoons of batter onto the pan … just enough to coat the bottom. When lightly browned, remove crépes and stack on a plate.

Repeat until all the batter is used. Set aside and let cool. (This will make about 12-15 crépes.)

Whip together cream and sugar until stiff. Lightly spread whipped cream over the surface of each crépe. (Make sure to reserve some for the top!)

Cut the bananas into quarters lengthwise. Place one banana quarter onto a crépe, roll up, and place on a serving platter.

Once all the crépes are done, lather the tops with the remaining whipping cream. Sprinkle tops with shaved chocolate - dark, milk or even white chocolate … your choice!

Smachnoho!