My favorite dish using the flambe technique is bananas foster. It is an easy dish to prepare, involving minimal preparation and skill to execute. In this recipe, I use a saute station, such as a camping stove top, in order to be able to prepare it table-side for my guests. I also add chocolate ganache over this finished dish which can either be left our or substituted with a chocolate syrup.
To make the ganache, combine a half of a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with a half of a cup of heavy whipping cream in a heat safe bowl. Find a sauce pot that the bowl will rest on top of and fill 2/3 with water. Place the sauce pot over a medium-high heat and set the bowl with the chocolate and cream on the top of the pot. Be careful to not let the water boil to avoid spilling over. Once heated, whisk the chocolate into the cream until fully incorporated. Set aside and keep warm.
Ingredients for the bananas foster: (makes one serving, just multiply ingredients accordingly for more servings)
1 Banana, peeled and quartered lengthwise
1 heaping tablespoon unsalted butter
1 heaping tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/2 oz dark rum (I use Meyer's)
1 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
a pinch of ground cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
chocolate ganache, preferably in a plastic squeeze bottle
In a nonstick saute pan over medium heat add the butter, brown sugar and bananas. Use a wooden spoon to break up any chunks of sugar. Take the pan away from the flame and add the rum. Place the pan back on the burner and turn the heat to high so the rum catches on fire. Be careful not to burn your face off! If the rum doesn't light, tilt the pan to one side until it does. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the flame. It sparkles and looks very impressive in a low light setting. When the flame dies down, take the banana slices out and place on the plate or bowl. Add the orange juice and turn down the heat to a simmer. Place a scoop of ice cream on or near the banana slices, the pour the sauce over the plate. Garnish with the ganache and perhaps a cinnamon stick. Happy eating.