Bananas Foster was invented in New Orleans in 1951, prompted by the arrival of imported bananas from South America. The origin story says that restaurant owners Ella and Owen Brennan challenged their chef, Paul Blange, to include bananas in a new dessert as a way of promoting the imported fruit. The decadent treat he created was named bananas Foster after the Brennans' friend, Richard Foster, a local civic and business leader. Today, bananas Foster is included on restaurant menus across the country, with many preparing the dish table-side as a flambé. Traditionally served with vanilla ice cream, popular toppings include whipped cream and nuts.
Recipe Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 1 pt vanilla ice cream
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum
- 3 bananas
Directions
- Soften the ice cream on the counter as the bananas cook.
- Peel the bananas and cut each one in half across and lengthwise.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar and rum.
- Cook until well combined, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced bananas to the sauce and warm together for a few minutes.
- Divide the bananas and sauce between serving bowls.
- Top with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy immediately.
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