Bananas Foster

Tonight is Michael's dessert night choice, and as usual, he has chosen something I've never made before!  This time, it's Bananas Foster - and he explicitly mentioned that it MUST include the flambe part.  Because, really, what fun would it be if I did NOT try to catch my kitchen on fire?

Well, I did a test run yesterday, and I am happy to report that I had great success the very first time I tried!!  There were no catastrophes, no spilled alcohol (except that which I spilled in my mouth... kidding!), and the flames were completely contained at all times.

Here are the bananas just after they were placed in the yummy sugar glaze.

...and here they are on FIRE! The picture doesn't show the flame very well, but you can see a glimpse of it on the left side of the photo.  I promise, it was quite spectacular... but I was alone when I did this so no one else can attest to it.  You may question why I was holding a camera instead of a fire extinguisher?  ...well, I was determined to document it regardless of the outcome. :)  Fortunately, it worked just fine.  And it was quite tasty! 

Bananas Foster
Serves 4

2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 shot banana liqueur
2 bananas, cut in half lengthwise, then halved
1 shot dark rum
4 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet.  Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble - about 5 minutes.  Stir in the banana liqueur, then place the bananas in the pan.  Cook for 5 minutes, turning once 1/2 way through, until bananas soften and begin to brown.  Carefully add the rum and let it heat for a few seconds.  Use a grill lighter to ignite the surface.  When the flames subside, lift the bananas out of the pan and place two sections over a scoop of ice cream.  Generously spoon the warm sauce over the top and serve immediately.