COOKIE DOUGH:

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup sliced banana (1/4-inch slices)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts preferred)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl combine: flour, sugar and butter, banana, salt and vanilla. Beat at low speed until mixed well. Stir in nuts.

Shape cookies by teaspoonfuls in 1-inch balls. Place 2-inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Flatten dough to 1/4-inch thickness with bottom of a glass dipped in flour.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. When buzzer goes off wait 1 minute. Remove to a wire rack.

FROSTING / CREAM FILLING:

3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
3 to 4 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat at medium speed until smooth and fluffy.

Spread cream filling 1 tablespoon over bottoms of cookies, top with remaining half of cookies.

Submitted by: Storm Newton-Watters