Bananas Foster

Here's a flaming dessert to symbolize the miracle of the Temple light. Pair it with some dairy in honor of Judith's bravery. It's not only great for dessert, but also makes a wonderful Chanukah breakfast or brunch dish, when served with blintzes, crepes or waffles.

Serve on: Chanukah and Shabbat

Dairy

Makes 4 servings

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons banana liqueur,
   optional:
   2 tablespoons rum or vodka

4 whole bananas, cut in half lengthwise,
     and then crosswise

1. In a large skillet combine the butter, juices, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbling.

2. Reduce the heat, continue to stir and simmer for two minutes. Add the banana liqueur, if using.

3. The best way to ensure that the alcohol will flame, is to heat the rum in a small saucepan, ignite it with a long match, and then pour it carefully over the sauce. The flame will shoot up quite a ways, so make sure that there is nothing in the way that will catch fire. Be careful of your hair, face and hands, as well. For best effect, turn the lights out so that everyone can see the flame.

So that the bananas don't get overcooked, I like to stir them in after the dessert is flambéed, but if you like the flavor of cooked bananas, they can be stirred in before. Serve with nonfat ice cream or yogurt, waffles, crepes or blintzes.

Nutritional notes per serving: 206 Calories, 3g Fat (15%), 39g Carbohydrates, 1g Protein, 37mg Sodium, 2Fiber

RDA % - 3% Vitamin A, 20% Vitamin C, 2% Calcium, 4% Iron

 

© 1999-2007 Penny Eisenberg. All Rights Reserved
Mandarin Orange Cheesecake Photo © Mary Ellen Bartley