Caramelized Bananas

I can't believe I haven't blogged this before as it is the recipe that is most asked for by my friends and theirs.   I make it all the time (though bananas are healthier in their natural state) and think it is probably the tastiest dessert I've had in ages (up there with lavender creme brulee and sweet dessert guacamole).

 

Decadent and sweet

Caramelized bananas

Not TOO bad for you!

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 2 bananas
• 2 tsp sugar
• half a fresh lime (lime juice in a bottle is not a good substitute)
• one fresh orange
• coconut ice cream (optional)
• butter cookies (optional)

1. Heat a sauteing pan over medium heat and add the butter.  Let rest 30 seconds and swirl around to coat the pan.  
2. Slice the bananas in half and then lengthwise to make four pieces.  Lay all eight pieces in the butter and let them sizzle for 3 minutes.  Sprinkle with 1 tsp of sugar and turn over, adding more butter if necessary.
3. Sprinkle the other side with sugar and the juice from half a lime.
4. Keep cooking and turning until both sides are slightly brown and crispy.  Remove bananas to bowls and turn off heat. 
5. Immediately squeeze the juice from one orange and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan with the orange juice.  To reduce the juice, heat slowly, or just pour over the bananas as it is.
6. Add a scoop of coconut ice cream and garnish with a butter finger (or mint, pictured here).

 After.