Chocolate Banana Waffles

Ingredients

• 4 firm ripe bananas
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Splash of rum, optional
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, natural or Dutch process
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup crème fraîche, for serving
• Equipment
• Large skillet
• Waffle iron

Directions

1. Slice the bananas lengthwise down the middle, then divide each half into 3 or 4 chunks. Warm 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet, add the banana pieces, and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until they soften and take on good color. Scatter 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar over the top, flip the pieces again, and add a splash of rum if you are using it. Put the bananas aside, then warm them back up once the waffles are done.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Leave this bowl nearby while you make the chocolate mixture.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter. Add the cocoa and stir until the mixture is hot and silky. Slowly work in the milk, stirring until smooth. Take the pan off the heat, then whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, coffee powder, egg, and vanilla until no lumps remain. Add the saucepan mixture to the flour mixture, and stir until all of the dry ingredients have been moistened.
4. Heat the waffle iron. For each waffle, use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter, and cook until steam no longer comes out from the edges of the waffle iron. Serve right away with the warmed sautéed bananas and crème fraîche, or place the waffles on a rack for a very short rest so they crisp up before serving. To make them ahead, cool the waffles on a rack, then warm them on a cookie sheet in an oven set to 350 degrees F for a few minutes before they go to the table.