New Caledonia

NEW CALEDONIA: Banana poe

INGREDIENTS:

2 2/3 lbs bananas, ripe (about 5 large bananas)
1/2 vanilla bean (seeds only or vanilla powder or extract)
6 cups water
3/4 cup manioc starch (can substitute cornstarch)
1 cup coconut milk or 1 cup light cream
2/3 cup sugar (the riper the banana you begin with the less sugar you need).

DIRECTIONS:

Cook the bananas in the skin for about 15 minutes. 

When the bananas have cooked, peel and puree with in a food processor. Add the starch, sugar, and vanilla into the mix. Mix thoroughly so that the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fill a buttered casserole dish with the poe, and place in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Remove poe from oven and cut into small pieces. Serve with the coconut milk or cream.