This Bananas Foster with Spiced Ice Cream recipe takes a simple and classic New Orleans recipe up a notch with the addition of semi-homemade spiced ice cream, making it an easy and delicious dessert perfect for Mardi Gras or any occasion!
I used to claim to the world that I was not a TV person. And that really is the truth. I love being wrapped up in a good book, playing board games with friends and going on long hikes to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.
But the other truth to that statement, is that I might, actually *kinda* be a TV junky. You see when it comes to the end of the day two things happen. I either have to stay up late to do work on the computer or just want to relax and kick up my feet. Both of these things involve watching TV.
Yes, I love me some Netflix and Hulu. When I am working late into the night (when I get most of my blogging and other computer work done) I am usually marathoning my way through a TV series. I love that both Netflix and Hulu has entire series of popular TV shows. I am known to watch several episodes of a TV show at night and before I know it, I have plowed through an entire season and then an entire TV series. In the past my shameless TV show addictions included (confession time here) teen dramas such as One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, Felicity and Friday Night Lights. Lately I have advanced to crime dramas like CSI: Miami and most recently Damages; which I absolutely loved! If you want a highly addictive show with lots of twists and turns, check out Damages!
And there is nothing like kicking up your feet to watch a good movie to relax. During the holidays, we love watching holiday movies to put us in the holiday spirit. I have mentioned before about our scary movie marathon that we have to ‘count down’ to Halloween. We also do a similar thing for Christmas; watching as many of the Christmas movies as we can stand during the weeks leading up to the big day! : ) We might have already watched a few of our favorites like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!” and “Elf”.
Yup we love celebrating holidays, big or small, from Christmas and Thanksgiving to St. Patrick’s Day and 4th of July. One holiday that often doesn’t get a lot of attention, that is unless you live in Louisiana, is Mardi Gras. Sadly, there aren’t any movies about Mardi Gras, and unless you are in Louisiana or certain parts of Texas, there aren’t any good celebrations.
But that doesn’t stop the Cajun in me from celebrating this fun holiday! Every year for Fat Tuesday I’ll make a special Cajun dinner, usually of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo or Red Beans and Rice and a festive Cajun dessert. Bananas Foster is a widely popular and classic New Orleans dessert and this version is served over a simple semi-homemade spiced ice cream. Not only is this dessert perfect for Mardi Gras, this easy Bananas Foster with Spiced Ice Cream would be the perfect dessert for a casual dinner at home or fun and festive holiday get together! Caramelized bananas with a spiced ice cream is always a winning combination!
A simple and classic New Orleans recipe is taken up a notch with the addition of semi-homemade spiced ice cream, making it an easy and delicious dessert perfect for Mardi Gras or any occasion!
- Spiced Ice Cream:
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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- Flambéed Bananas:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 medium bananas, peeled
- 1/4 cup spiced rum
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
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To make the spiced ice cream: In a medium bowl, break up the ice cream with a spoon, then mix in the nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Cover the ice cream and return it to the freezer. Keep the ice cream frozen until ready to serve.
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To cook the bananas: In a 12-inch nonstick frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Slice the bananas in half lengthwise and lay the bananas cut side down in the butter mixture. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the bananas are caramelized on the underside and the sugar mixture has melted and become golden brown.
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Remove the pan from the heat. Add the rum. Using a long match, carefully ignite the rum. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and away from any flammable material. Allow the flame to burn out. Turn the bananas over. Return the pan to medium heat and stir in the cream. Baste the bananas with the caramel sauce for about 1 minute.
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Divide the bananas between two plates. Spoon some sauce over the bananas. Top each with a scoop of ice cream, and then drizzle the remaining sauce over and around the ice cream and bananas. Serve immediately.
Make-Ahead: The spiced ice cream can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept frozen.
Recipe adapted from Chef Curtis Stone
