Bananas Foster

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
• 6 medium bananas (peeled and sliced thru the middle lengthwise, then cut each piece in half (4 equal pieces))
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 2 Tbsp banana liquor or banana schnapps ((optional))
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt the butter in a large heavy bottomed skillet over a medium-high heat. To the pan add brown sugar, vanilla, ground cinnamon and salt. Stir constantly cooking until the sugar dissolves and the sauce bubbles, about 2 minutes.

2. 2

   Peel bananas and slice in half lengthwise then slice each half crosswise for 4 equal pieces. Arrange banana slices in the pan in a single layer in the brown sugar mixture. Turn to coat on all sides.

3. 3

   Remove pan from heat and add rum and banana liquor, if using. Return to the stovetop over medium heat, and carefully ignite using a long lighter or a long matchstick for safety.

4. 4

   Simmer just until the flame goes out, it should burn off quickly. (Pro Tip: Have nearby a lid to put over the pan if the flame gets too high for comfort.) Use a large spoon to baste the bananas with the thick caramel sauce.

5. 5

   Spoon the caramelized bananas mixture over vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.

6. 6

   Alternative to Flambéed: You can add the rum to the pan and not light it on fire, instead simmering until the rum has mostly cooked off and the caramel sauce has reached a consistency similar to honey.