Yummy Treats at Dole's California Cook-Off

CC eyes a fruit bouquet at Dole's California Cook-Off at The Grove.

Sunday was an especially tasty day at The Grove, as Dole hosted its California Cook-Off, complete with lots of free samples, a grilling competition and demos by local chef Ben Ford of Ford's Filling Station.

And sample we did! From fruit cups to Mrs. Mays natural fruit and nut snacks to grilled banana s'mores (see recipe below!) to Dole's cool new Smoothie Shakers, we definitely indulged in a few summer treats.

Grilled bananas!

It was also such a gorgeous day, and there were tons of Angelenos out taste-testing, too. I also enjoyed catching a glimpse of some local cooking talent.

Chef Ben Ford demos summer recipes.

But back to those grilled banana s'mores! Check out this easy recipe:

Grilled Banana S'mores
Prep: 5 min.
Grill: 10 min.
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:
* 2 Dole bananas, unpeeled
* 4 graham crackers, broken into halves
* 2 bars (1.55 oz each) milk chocolate, broken into halves

Directions:
1. Place unpeeled bananas on the grill over medium high heat. Grill 4 to 5 minutes on each side until bananas darken and slightly soften.
2. Remove from heat. Remove top half of banana peel. For each s'more, scoop half of grilled banana on graham cracker square. Top with square of chocolate and second graham cracker half. Press gently together.

Yum! And congrats to Jeanette Nelson of Crab Orchard, W.V., who won the cook-off with her Island Pork Sliders with Jicama Salsa recipe!