Make Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster is a dessert that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana (US). It's fairly easy to make and very impressive to watch, not to mention delicious. The burst of dancing flames will dazzle the audience, caramelize the bananas and tantalize your guests, while pleasing the eyes and "astonishing" the taste buds all in one shot!

Steps

 * 1) Peel and cut bananas lengthwise and in half, then set aside.
 * 2) Remove the ice cream from the freezer and allow it to soften.
 * 3) Set burner to medium to high heat
 * 4) Place the butter into the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
 * 5) [[Image:carmelizedbrownsugarbf.JPG|thumb|]]Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the melted butter and stir constantly, this should be allowed to cook and caramelize for about 3-5 minutes. Once the brown sugar and butter mixture is the consistency of warm maple syrup, turn the burners to low.
 * 6) [[Image:Bananasfoster_452.jpg|thumb]]Add the banana slices. Allow these to soften. The bananas should be completely coated by the sugary mixture.
 * 7) Once the bananas have reached a more rich color of yellow add the vanilla extract. The vanilla will seem somewhat overpowering until thoroughly stirred in, and allowed to cook. When the smell of vanilla has reduced in strength, add the spiced rum to the mixture.
 * 8) [[Image:bfonfire.JPG|thumb|]][[Image:Bananasfoster_983.jpg|thumb]]Give about 10 seconds to simmer. After this, take the lighter and carefully light the mixture.
 * 9) [[Image:Bananasfoster_610.jpg|thumb]]Let the mixture burn itself out.
 * 10) [[Image:bfpour.JPG|thumb|]]When the fire has extinguished itself, pour the Bananas Foster (while still warm) over (or next to) vanilla ice cream.

Tips

 * Have a pan lid to smother unusually wild-FLAMES! (See the image of "leaping" flames!)
 * Keep a fire-extinguisher / container of water handy just in case!
 * If using gas, you can flambee by tilting the pan up till the rum drips off the back edge of the pan and catches in the flame. Stand back when doing this and have the rum drip off the far end of the pan.
 * While fun to watch, the flames actually add nothing to the taste or texture of the final dish. So if you are scared: Don't. It will taste exactly the same.
 * Add additional flare by sprinkling a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the flames. It will create a sparkling effect.
 * Make sure not to cook the mixture too long as it will eventually burn and leave a very strong taste.

Warnings

 * Be sure that no one is standing close when you ignite the mixture.
 * Be sure that you are not leaning over the pan when you ignite the mixture as well.
 * Be sure to turn off the cooker hood or take the pan from the stove when you are going to set the rum on fire!

Things You'll Need

 * Saucepan
 * Knife
 * Lighter
 * Mixing spoon
 * Measuring cup / spoon
 * Mixing bowl
 * Fire-extinguisher / container of water

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make a Chocolate Banana Shake
 * How to Make Banana Pops
 * How to Slice a Banana Before It Is Peeled
 * How to Make Bananas Ripen Faster