Colder weather and blustery skies don’t have to keep you from a good time. Hosting a dinner party can mean fun for both you and your guests! Best of all, a special dessert---like Bananas Foster--will wow your guests while giving you a new-found confidence in the kitchen because of the simple flambé technique.
Invented in 1951 by chef Paul Blangé at Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans, Bananas Foster is a simple, elegant dessert that takes less than ten minutes to make and will impress each of your guests. Essentially, the dessert is simply bananas cooked in a sweet brown sugar sauce, spooned over vanilla ice-cream. The dish was named for Richard Foster, an acquaintance of Owen Brennan's who also served as New Orlean's Crime Commission chairman.
You Will Need (makes 4 servings):
- 2 bananas, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
- ½ stick of butter
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- Splash of orange juice
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 2 shots of rum
- Vanilla ice-cream
- Matches
To Prepare:
The art of flambéing is entirely safe if you follow several simple guidelines. First, roll up any clothing that hangs loose and tie back any hair that dangles. Also, make sure your exhaust fan is off, as the flames could be sucked into the ventilator. Finally, have a fire extinguisher ready simply as a precautionary method.
Making The Dish:
- To begin, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- When the butter is melted, add in the brown sugar and stir to incorporate. Let the mixture cook together for a minute and a half , or until the mixture forms a thick sauce.
- Next, add a splash of orange juice (to bring out the bananas’ natural flavors), a pinch of cinnamon and the bananas. Allow the bananas to cook for two minutes on each side, or until they form a light brown crust.
- Next, tell your guests to prepare for the show and turn off all but an overhead light, if desired. Turn the stove top off and pour in the rum. Allow to sit for 5 seconds, and then immediately light the mixture with a match, making sure to keep your face and clothing free of the pan.
- Give the dish a shake and allow the flames to naturally extinguish themselves. This should take approximately thirty seconds, and when the flame subsides the dish is ready.
- Spoon over vanilla ice-cream and enjoy.
Amy Butcher - Welcome! I am currently a senior at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and am double-majoring in Creative Writing and ...
