Bourbon Bananas Foster

this weather is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S...

I never realized how many songs there are about bananas until working on these posts! Gwen Stefani graced us with "Hollaback Girl" in the early 2000's, which features her spelling bananas multiple times in the song and saying "this shit is bananas". Anyway, I have to say this freezing cold weather is some serious bananas. It is -4 here in Cincy today! I have lived here nearly my whole life and I can't remember a time it has consistently been this cold.

To warm up a bit I'm lighting up my stove with bananas foster. This dessert is traditionally made with dark rum, but because Kentucky is only 5 minutes away (and I love bourbon) I've used bourbon instead. The remainder of the recipe is pretty standard - I didn't want to mess with perfection too much. Make this fun, fiery dessert tonight. Here's how...

Ingredients - Serves 4

1 Stick Unsalted Butter

1 C Brown Sugar, packed

1/2 C Heavy Cream

2 Bananas, cut diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices

1/2 C Chopped Walnuts

1/2 C Bourbon (suggest Maker's)

Optional: Vanilla Ice Cream

Directions

NOTE: This recipe moves very quickly, so please read all of the instructions prior to making it. Thanks!

Bring a large heavy-bottom skillet to medium-high heat. Add the butter to melt. Then add in the brown sugar and cook for 30 seconds. Next add in the heavy cream, bananas, and nuts. Stand back a bit, as the cream will spatter when it meets the heat. Cook for about 1 minute.

Carefully add the bourbon to the pan and if using a gas stove, slightly tilt the pan away from you, toward the flame. The pan will ignite. Gently set the pan back down and allow the alcohol to burn away. This will caramelize the bananas...yum! The flame will subside after about a minute. You can gently shake the pan to help it dissipate quicker. Once the flame subsides turn off and remove the pan from the heat.

NOTE: If you are using an electric top stove, like me, use a long-nosed lighter to ignite the bourbon. Be sure to remove your hand quickly after setting the alcohol on fire. It does flair up!

I served the Bourbon Bananas Foster up in a martini glass over two scoops of vanilla ice cream. But, you can absolutely serve this in bowls. This dessert can also be served over French toast, pancakes, or just by its self. Enjoy it as you like...cheers!