Rockin' the West with Chef Larry Edwards: Kahula Cream Banana Cookies

A cookie is a cookie is a cookie, or so the adage goes. Sometimes, however, a cookie has the ability to separate itself from the ordinary. In the case of this brand new recipe from Chef Larry Edwards, it's not just the cookie that is incredible, it is also the unreal Kahlua Cream Frosting and the presentation. This is a gourmet cookie but don't let that deter you from making them, as they are incredibly easy and as usual the Chef has provided simple step-by-step pictures in the slideshow!

The one thing you might find different about these cookies is the fact they are almost feather soft and very light. They almost have the texture of a very delicate cake, yet there is a very subtle crunch about them. The secret to their texture is not just the banana, but they way in which the banana is mashed. According to Chef Larry Edwards, to achieve perfect results when using mashed banana's ( such as in breads and muffins) is to mash the banana's with your hands. Simply take the banana's into the palms of your hands and squeeze them until the pulp runs through your fingers. In mashing the banana this way, you are keeping some of the texture of the banana and it will lighten your dough and/or batter.

The frosting to these cookies simply must be tasted to be believed. Unlike other frostings, this one takes some cooking. You will actually be making a very rich syrup to whisk into the powdered sugar. Again, the Chef has given step-by-step pictures in the slideshow for making this frosting. The accent of Kahlua in the frosting was created by Chef Larry Edwards to bring out even more of the banana taste in the cookie.

In a very real way, this might just be the perfect cookie!

Unlike all the other cooking features and sites out there, you'll never find us opening cans or boxes. You'll never find us using processed crap. You'll never see us using fake pictures of the dishes off the Net. We'll give you step-by-step pictures because we actually cook this stuff. This is the way we do it in the West... REAL!

Ingredients needed to make Kahula Cream Banana Cookies (makes 36 cookies):

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 bananas, mashed (see above)
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbs. vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Steps:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon sheet.
2. Into a mixer with a paddle attachment, add the butter and brown sugar and beat until smooth.
3. Add the mashed banana, egg and vanilla and beat until very well incorporated and smooth.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and beat until light and creamy.
5. Using a cookie scoop (the Chef uses a #60 scoop), scoop the batter onto the prepared pan (see picture in slideshow).
6. Place in the oven and bake 10 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a rack (cookies must be completely cool before frosting).

Ingredients for the Kahlua Cream Frosting:

• 2 Tbs. butter
• 3 Tbs. brown sugar
• 2 Tbs. heavy cream (unwhipped whipping cream)
• 2 Tbs. Kahlua
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Into a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the butter and brown sugar until the butter has melted and the brown sugar as dissolved.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream and Kahlua.
3. Pour the syrup into the powdered sugar and stir until it is thick, creamy and smooth.
4. Frost the completely cooled Banana Cookies and serve.

** Inside Google calls Chef Larry Edwards "quite possibly the most popular Chef in the world" and now you can find out what Chef Larry Edwards has coming up in the kitchen, on the road, in the restaurants and in the media by joining him on Facebook where the Chef's snarky personality and often controversial comments are always sure to cause a stir!