Banana Pops and Bees

Late this afternoon the sun came out and the day was warm, windy yet warm.  I took a stroll out to see if the bees were out and about and they were.  Some flying around and many just hanging out on their porches.  I decided to remove all the mouse guards to give them more space for coming and going.  After I did this little chore I opened all of the hives and added a “pollen pattie” for them to munch on.  Pollen patties give them added protein, minerals and vitamins to help strengthen the hive for the coming spring season.

The wind is blowing way to strong for me to go deep into the hives but from what I could see everyone has survived the winter and looks to be doing well.  Most hives have quite a bit of honey, which I didn’t expect.  Upon my next inspection if I continue to see so much honey I may undertake a harvest early on to give them more room for laying eggs, and making new honey.  Stay tuned….

I am thankful to discover they survived winter. I suspect our mild winter contributed to their survival.  I also realize that winter isn’t really over and that a random icy front could blow in in the next few weeks, forcing them deep into the hive for warmth.  If this happens they will need the honey that remains in their hive.  A new adventure awaits each time a hive is opened, and today was no different.

Now on to the “Banana Pops”.  These are so easy and yummy I can’t wait to share them with you.  Biting into one is like biting into a spoonful of banana, chocolate chunk ice cream, sprinkled with peanuts.  Ooohhh…All day long I’ve been thinking about them and can’t wait to finish dinner tonight so I can eat another.

Banana Pops

Melt 2 ounces of roughly chopped unsweetened baking chocolate and 3 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler, or heat proof bowl set over a simmering pot of water, stirring occasionally  until smooth.  Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with wax paper.  Slice two ripe bananas in half and insert a wooden popsicle stick or skewer in one end of each piece.

When chocolate is melted and smooth, dip each banana half into melted chocolate, spooning additional chocolate to cover.  Place bananas on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Freeze until chocolate is firm, about 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.  If frozen more than 2 hours, allow to sit at room temp for 20 minutes before serving.