Gail Simmons’ Banoffee Pie

NOTE: The photo above is how the dish turned out in the My Last Supper kitchen, and may look different than as envisioned by the original chef.

NOTE: The photo above is how the dish turned out in the My Last Supper kitchen, and may look different than as envisioned by the original chef.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

  • 8 ounces chocolate wafer cookies, broken into pieces

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts

  • 2 large bananas

  • 1 pint heavy cream

  • 2-4 ounces bittersweet chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

  • Remove the labels from the can of sweetened condensed milk and place on the bottom of a large stockpot.  Fill the pot with water, completely covering the can, then cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.  When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and boil for 3 hours, keeping the pot covered.  Be sure to frequently check the water level: the can should be covered by water at all times and the pot should never be allowed to boil dry, otherwise the can may explode.  Remove the can from the water and allow to cool completely at room temperature before opening.

  • In a food processor, pulse the cookies until fine; transfer to a bowl and whisk in the sugar and salt.  Add the melted butter and stir until coated.  Press the crumbs over the bottom of the pie plate and up the sides.  Refrigerate the crust until firm, about 30 minutes.

  • When the crust is chilled, remove from the refrigerator and spread the toffee over the base of the pie crust.  In a food processor, pulse the peanuts just until roughly chopped.  Sprinkle the peanuts evenly over the layer of toffee, reserving about one tablespoon.  Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds, then arrange on top of the toffee.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream until it holds barley stiff peaks.  Spoon the whipped cream evenly over the bananas.  With a vegetable peeler, shave some chocolate over the whipped cream and then sprinkle the reserved chopped peanuts over the top of the pie.  Serve immediately.

Melanie Dunea