Bananas and Strawberries Flambé

Bananas and Strawberries Flambé Recipe with Orange Liqueur and Cognac

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Bananas and Strawberries Flambé is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas and strawberries with the rich, complex flavors of cognac and orange liqueur. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle, making it perfect for special occasions or to impress your guests. The process of flambéing brings an element of drama to the dining experience, as the alcohol is ignited, creating a brief but impressive flame.

History

The technique of flambéing food has its roots in French cuisine, with the practice becoming popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the exact origin of Bananas and Strawberries Flambé is not well-documented, it is inspired by the famous Bananas Foster, a dessert created in New Orleans in the 1950s. The use of strawberries adds a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the bananas and the richness of the sauce, making this variation a beloved recipe for many.

Ingredients

2 oz (57 g) of butter
0.5 cup of powdered sugar
0.5 tsp of cinnamon
0.25 cup of orange juice concentrate
1 oz (28 g) of clear orange liqueur
2 oz (57 g) of cognac, divided
1 pt (473 ml) of strawberries, cleaned and washed
3 medium bananas, peeled and sliced
8 scoops of vanilla ice cream
8 parfait glasses or stemmed glasses

How to prepare

In a medium pan, heat butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange juice concentrate.
Bring to a boil and add clear orange liqueur and 1 oz (28 g) of cognac.
Mix well and add sliced strawberries and bananas.
When the mixture is warm, pour it into a chafing dish and add 1 oz (28 g) of hot cognac, then light it.
Ladle the mixture over rice cream in decorative glassware.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider using different fruits such as peaches, pears, or raspberries. You can also experiment with other types of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to alter the flavor profile of the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure a successful flambé, always use a pan with high sides to prevent the flames from spreading outside the pan. Remove the pan from the heat source before adding the alcohol to avoid igniting the vapors prematurely. When lighting the alcohol, use a long match or lighter for safety. For an even distribution of flavors, make sure the fruits are evenly sliced and thoroughly coated in the sauce before flambéing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the flambéed fruits warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a parfait or stemmed glass for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sophistication.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is flambéing, which involves igniting alcohol to create a flame. This not only adds a dramatic flair to the dish but also helps to cook off the alcohol while concentrating the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the cognac and orange liqueur with a mixture of orange juice and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative and serve with dairy-free ice cream.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before adding the fruits and proceeding with the flambéing step. This can save time and reduce last-minute preparation when serving.

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive presentation, serve the flambéed fruits in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant colors of the strawberries and bananas. A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the ice cream can add visual appeal and a hint of spice.

Pairing Recommendations

Bananas and Strawberries Flambé pairs beautifully with a glass of dessert wine, such as a Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling. The sweetness of the wine complements the flavors of the dessert without overpowering them.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

It is best to enjoy Bananas and Strawberries Flambé immediately after preparation. However, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, but note that the texture of the fruits may change upon reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bananas and Strawberries Flambé, including one scoop of ice cream, can range from 200 to 300 calories. The exact calorie count will vary based on the specific ingredients used and the portion size.

Carbohydrates

This dessert is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily from the fruits and powdered sugar. Bananas and strawberries provide natural sugars, while the powdered sugar adds refined sugars. The orange juice concentrate also contributes additional sugars. In total, a serving of Bananas and Strawberries Flambé may contain approximately 40-50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the butter used in the sauce. Butter adds richness and depth to the dish but also contributes saturated fats. Each serving may contain about 5-10 grams of fat, depending on the amount of sauce served with each portion.

Proteins

Bananas and Strawberries Flambé is not a significant source of protein. The primary ingredients are fruits and sugars, which contain minimal protein. The ice cream served with the dish may provide a small amount of protein, depending on the type used.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert provides a good source of vitamin C from the strawberries and orange juice concentrate. Bananas offer potassium and vitamin B6. These nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of the dish, making it not only delicious but also beneficial in small amounts.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are dairy (from the butter and ice cream) and alcohol. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution. The recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, and egg-free, making it suitable for those with these common food allergies.

Summary

Bananas and Strawberries Flambé is a dessert that offers a mix of carbohydrates, a moderate amount of fats, minimal protein, and a good dose of certain vitamins and minerals. While it is a treat best enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content, it also provides some nutritional benefits from the fruits used in the recipe.

Summary

Bananas and Strawberries Flambé is a decadent dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fruits with the rich flavors of butter, sugar, and alcohol. While it is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, it also offers nutritional benefits from the fruits used. This dish is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress your guests with a visually stunning and delicious dessert.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Bananas and Strawberries Flambé. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting a friend who lived in the countryside. As we sat on her porch, sipping iced tea and chatting, she suddenly got up and disappeared into the kitchen. Curious, I followed her inside and found her rummaging through her pantry.

"I have a special dessert I want to make for us," she said with a mischievous grin. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

Intrigued, I watched as she gathered the ingredients: ripe bananas, fresh strawberries, sugar, butter, and a bottle of rum. She explained that the dish was called Bananas and Strawberries Flambé, and it involved caramelizing the fruit in a sweet, boozy sauce.

As she diced the fruit and heated up the pan, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and confidence in the kitchen. She moved with such grace and precision, adding the ingredients and stirring them together with ease.

Once the fruit had softened and released its juices, she poured in the rum and lit a match, igniting a beautiful blue flame that danced across the pan. The smell of caramelized sugar and fruit filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As she plated the dessert and handed me a spoon, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweet, fruity bliss. The bananas were soft and caramelized, the strawberries bursting with juicy flavor, and the rum added a warm, boozy kick that lingered on my tongue.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my friend for the recipe, promising to make it for my family and friends whenever I had the chance. She laughed and handed me a handwritten card with the instructions, telling me to cherish it and pass it down to future generations.

And so I did. Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Bananas and Strawberries Flambé, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste and experimenting with different variations. I shared it with my children and grandchildren, who all marveled at the magical dance of flames and flavors that came together in this simple yet elegant dessert.

But the true beauty of the dish lay not in its taste, but in the memories it evoked. Every time I made Bananas and Strawberries Flambé, I was transported back to that hot summer day in the countryside, watching my friend work her culinary magic in the kitchen.

I remembered the laughter we shared, the stories we told, and the bond we forged over a shared love of good food and good company. And I realized that this recipe was more than just a dessert – it was a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we love.

So as I sit here, with a bowl of Bananas and Strawberries Flambé in front of me, I can't help but smile. I am grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the culinary adventures that have enriched my life and brought me closer to those around me.

And as I take my first bite, savoring the sweet, boozy flavors that dance on my tongue, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.