Easy and Delicious Torched Bananas with video for Banana Lovers Day
Happy Banana Lovers Day!
How about celebrating with some Torched Bananas aka Bananas Foster?
Bananas are one of my favorite foods. Packed with vitamins and potassium, they are nature's miracle. My favorite banana dessert is hands down Torched Bananas. A riff of the famous Bananas Foster dish served in New Orleans for decades, I have come up with my own version. Check out my video here recently visiting with Fox 21 news where we made it one day with a real butane torch. Hence the name Torched Bananas.
Ingredients I used in this dish
Bananas- I like firm bananas for this dish. When they get too soft, they fall apart.
Lemon Juice- fresh is best but bottled will work.
Butter- plant or dairy butter both work great.
Brown Sugar- Light is my choice, dark will be good too.
Cream- traditionally made with dairy cream, I have found that coconut cream stands in beautifully.
Cinnamon- the fancier, the better in my book when it comes to cinnamon.
Sea Salt- any great flakey finishing salt will work.
Liquor- I like brandy for flaming, but bourbon and rum are good too.
Ice cream- Vanilla or a Caramel variety complements the banana flavors.
Chef's Tips
More is not better when it comes to the amount of liquor. You will be at risk of being burned if you have too much liquor.
Bananas should be ripe, but not overripe because they will melt and breakdown in the butter if they are too ripe.
This dish could be done with peaches too with fine results.
Storage- You can store bananas in the fridge to keep them from becoming overripe. The skin will turn brown but they will stay firm.
Tools and equipment needed
Large bowl- to put the bananas in while waiting to cook.
Large skillet- can be black iron or Silverstone. It does not have to be non-stick.
Matches or butane torch- Just make sure you stand back and stay away from the flame.
TORCHED BANANAS WITH SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
Makes 12 Servings
This recipe is a must for an easy, after dinner treat that goes together quickly. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Be sure to use a 40 proof liquor for flaming the bananas.
Ingredients:
8 large ripe bananas
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
8 tablespoons melted vegan or regular butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon or to taste sea salt
1–2 ounces brandy, rum or banana liquor
1-quart vanilla ice cream or Banana Nice Cream
Directions:
Wash hands with soap and water before starting.
1. peel bananas, slice about 1/2 inch thick and place in a large bowl, sprinkle with lemon juice if not using right away.
2. In a large skillet, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and stir until bubbly. Add cream, cook for 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
3. Add seasonings and bananas.
4. Splash on liquor and ignite.
Serve over a scoop of ice cream.
Store any leftovers in the fridge right away and do not keep more than 4 days.
