Bananas are inherently Southern. Most likely because they can trace their roots back to the late 1800's. Ton after ton of the tropical fruit arrived in America through Southern ports, particularly New Orleans. So much so that watching bananas being unloaded from cargo ships became a popular pastime for locals and tourist alike. Southern cooks began to experiment with their beloved bananas. Brennan's Restaurant, in the French Quarter of New Orleans, is the birthplace of 'Bananas Foster'. Mr. Brennan decided his restaurant needed to promote the plentiful fruit. He challenged his chef, Blangé, to create an interesting dish and Bananas Foster was the result. Little did anyone realize the dish would go on to become an international favorite appearing on menus from New Orleans to Paris, France. The same can be said of Banana Pudding. It came on the Southern scene in 1903. Mary Frazer combined a simple custard with bananas and VOILA, this all-American dessert was born.
