A many-caloried banana split is probably the ultimate in dairy delights. It is usually large enough to be a meal in itself. Everyone has his own mental visions of gob and goop when the phrase “banana split” is spoken.
Children’s first impressions of the treat come most often when they ask what is in the picture pasted on the window of a snack shop. Their first taste of a banana split is usually a shared treat with the rest of the family. No pre-schooler could ever consume by himself a real, sure enough banana split.
But come ten, a boy realizes that banana splits are not just something to dream about. Nor are the limited to pictures or shared treats with a sister. At ten, a boy realizes that a banana split is a creation. And what is more important, he realizes he can be the creator.
Mother, watch out! The kitchen will never be the same! First, he merely copies what he has seen - sliced bananas, three scoops of ice cream - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry - chocolate syrup, nuts, whipped cream and a cherry topping. He never cleans up his mess. On this counter is a banana peel, on that one, the ice cream cartons. Here’s some drippings of the chocolate and there are a few nuts that were sprinkled on the counter instead of the concoction.
Once he’s masted the accepted version of the banana split, he ventures forth to try new tastes. “I wonder how…would taste?” Seems to be foremost in his mind.
Boiled peanuts, caramel syrup, muscadine grapes, cottage cheese, gum drops, corn flakes, raisins, marshmallows, blackberries, jelly, almond slivers, lima beans - all have their day atop the masterpiece in ice cream. Some meet approval; others are scraped aside after the first bite.
He greets all visitors with the same question. “Would you like a banana split?” He takes great pride in serving his newest creation. He works hard to make them look as good as he thinks they taste. And he expects waves of compliments. The guest, as tactful as possible, must be as original in his reply as the young chef has been in his creation.
He refuses to try a creation without ice cream - one flavor or another. That is a must. But is is undaunted if he is without bananas. Sliced peaches, plums, pears, apples, orange sections woke equally as well. He nonchalantly dubs them “bananaless splits.”
1974
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