January 22, 2016

Bananas foster

Snow is coming!  After enjoying an unusually mild winter so far, it sounds like we may get our first true snow storm of the season this weekend.  I've done my grocery shopping and I'm ready for a lot of home-cooking and eating in the next couple of days. It's cold winter weekends huddled at home that give me time to whip up different things, including desserts, that I've been wanting to make.  For instance, this bananas foster...
Is it odd that snow/cold weather makes me think of ice cream?  At least I tend to think of pairing it with something warm.  So this post is timely...for me, at least.

Actually, I wanted to make bananas foster for my husband when I caught an easy recipe for it (no flambeing involved).  He's a big fan of banana desserts, not only in baked goods form, but where it takes center stage on a plate.  I wasn't always a big fan of such a thing but I've been reformed in the last decade, for better or worse.   
So bananas foster.  It isn't something I see on a restaurant menu often but if you like bananas, you know the allure of warm, sweet, caramelized bananas, kissed with the flavors of rum and a little cinnamon.  Add on the contrast of ice-cold vanilla ice cream and it's easy to know why it's a special dish many people enjoy.  Aside from the flavor, I really adore the contrast of warm bananas and cold ice cream in each bite. When I made this last weekend, my main concern was to get it on the table and into our mouths while it was still warm and cold at the same time.  A few clicks of the camera and we cued to the important stuff: eating.


For our little afternoon treat, I scaled down the recipe into this serving that's generous for one and good enough for two to share (if the two involved are willing). Think of it as a little winter treat, something to fortify you after a serious bout of snow-shoveling, which appears to be in our near future.

Making small portions can be tricky (the recipe listed below is half the original, using two bananas vs. the one large one I used).  I wish I'd ended up with more sauce but with a hot cast iron skillet and working with small amounts, the sauce thickened rather quickly.  Maybe I should've just added more rum to thin things out!  In any case, the recipe is simple and fast; there's no theatrical flambe involved (which is a much safer bet for me) and you likely have everything you need on hand so you can make this even in a snow storm.  My banana dessert-loving husband definitely gives it two thumbs up.
Have a happy weekend - whether it's covered with snow or not!  Will it involve ice cream?  Hot chocolate?  Or maybe both?

Recipe:

Bananas Foster
Adapted from Alex Guarnaschelli

- For 2 servings - 

2 tablespoons dark rum
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon molasses
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 bananas, peeled, sliced lengthwise and crosswise 
Pinch of coarse salt
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

In a small saucepan or skillet, combine the rum, vanilla, brown sugar, molasses and cinnamon.  Heat over medium-heat, stirring until brown sugar dissolves.  Turn off the heat and leave on the stove to keep warm while you continue.

Warm a cast iron skillet over medium heat.  Add butter and allow it to brown slightly, then add banana slices in a single layer.  Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the bananas.  Cook for about a minute, until bananas get a chance to brown and sear. Flip and let the other side cook for about 30 seconds or so.  Pour in the rum mixture and gently stir to coat.  Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream, and dig in!



43 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. It's a nice occasional treat...though we're kind of known for that around here. ; )

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  2. We are supposed to get snow today and tomorrow and of course so far it's freezing rain .. so not as fun!!! I'm hoping it changes over!!

    This dessert looks awesomeee. I thought about ice cream too - made sure to have some in the house for this weather! haha Stay warm!!

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    1. Oh, much prefer the fluffy stuff to freezing rain. I hope it turns but a layer of hard ice under the snow is no fun. Be careful and stay warm and cozy! I'm glad you think about ice cream in this kind of weather, too, btw! :)

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  3. A cozy weekend spent inside baking sounds wonderful! Hope you stay warm :) This looks SO delicious, Monica! I love bananas foster!

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    1. We are just going to be constantly hungry starting first thing tomorrow...I just know it (and love it). Have a good weekend. We are waiting for blizzard-like conditions!

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  4. Love that rum- caramelized bananas are so deliciously sweet! Perfect snowed in food :)

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    Replies
    1. "Snowed in food" - that's exactly right! You said it! : )

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  5. Now I know what I need for this snow storm about to hit! :)

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    Replies
    1. Boy, did we need food for this blizzard we had! Hope you are safe and warm.

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  6. Bananas foster is one of my favorites! The caramelization takes it up to a whole new level and being a banana lover, I'm all over this. Have a great weekend!

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    Replies
    1. I love the warm-cold combo with the ice cream, too. Too good...

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  7. Wonderful, beautiful and delicious - dessert perfection! We are all set for the blizzard as well (we live 50 miles south of DC). The snow is coming down and the wind is picking up. Supposed to get a total of 24 inches? Sounds like a house party! Let the baking begin :) Enjoy the family time and stay safe!

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    1. What a crazy blizzard it turned out to be, Tricia! Woah.
      Hope you fortified yourselves with a few mugs of that delicious hot chocolate. Yum!

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  8. So funny Monica, I have been thinking about this dessert, have never made it before, looks delicious!

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    Replies
    1. Really? I think we're craving ice cream in the winter. It's a real thing! : )

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  9. I love bananas and this is one of my favorite desserts! Love your presentation and clicks! Have to give this one a try:)

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  10. This sounds amazing and perfect for the cold weather! Warm bananas and ice cream, what more could you want.

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  11. Bananas Foster is such a treat. Hope you're keeping warm in that storm!

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    Replies
    1. We kept saying we're so lucky to be indoors, with heat. Cannot complain.

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  12. Banana Foster looks awesome dear. Super delicious. A perfect dessert. Love it. :)

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  13. This is one of my favorite dessert, too! I am hungry, looking at them:)

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  14. Oh my God, I love these, I can just imagine the taste. I am them as soon as I buy bananas.

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    Replies
    1. I highly recommend you make it, Adina. Thanks!

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  15. Oh my! this is truly a wonderful treat. I am going to phoenix tomorrow I'll be enjoying a lot of these.

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    Replies
    1. Enjoy your trip. I'm sure you will have lots of delicious meals out there!

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  16. We love bananas foster and make them often! But I never thought to actually post them. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
    Xoxo Anna and Liz

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    1. I'm sure you have a wonderful version. This was my first attempt and I wish my skillet wasn't quite so hot to scorch up all the sauce...but very tasty nonetheless. : )

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  17. With Mardis Gras coming up, these would be perfect to enjoy! Just found you through Liz and Anna's blog! Lovely blog and great recipes!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Roz. : ) There's so much to explore out there and it's great to enjoy a little indulgence right at home.

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  18. Hope you are warm and safe my dear. The snow storm definitely came after some mild weather. There was so much of talk for few days of rain here, and that too wasn't bad.
    I absolutely love bananas foster and this look so so yummy.
    Hope you are having a great week.
    Hugs.
    xx

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    Replies
    1. We had quite the storm but I hear it could be up to about 50 or so next week. This weather has been wild this winter. Thank goodness for home and food! Have a great weekend, Asha!

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  19. I love bananas and this sounds amazing. You can't go wrong with warm bananas and ice cream. Have to try ; -) You have such a lovely blog, Monica ; -)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a note. : ) Hope you try this and treat yourself soon!

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    2. Dear Monica, sorry to disturb you, but can you give me the measures in grams (each time I try recipes with cup measures it fails). I want to try to make your recipe this Wednesday. Thank you, dear

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    3. I'm so sorry the recipe I used does not provide gram measurements so I don't have it. I know it must be a hassle but here are a couple of conversion sites that might be a place to start: http://www.traditionaloven.com/conversions_of_measures/sugar_amounts.html
      http://www.traditionaloven.com/conversions_of_measures/butter_converter.html

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  20. Thank you so much for your help Monica.;-)

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