Heard Island Flambee

Background

The Heard Island Flambee is a delightful, exotic dessert inspired by the remote and wild landscapes of Heard Island, located between Madagascar and Antarctica. This dish captures the essence of the island with its bold and fiery presentation. The flambee technique, which involves igniting the dish, adds a dramatic flair that will impress any guest. This dessert is traditionally made using accessible ingredients like sugar, butter, and bananas.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Preparation

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Peel the bananas and slice them into 1-inch rounds.
2. Measure out the butter and brown sugar.
3. Gather the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, along with vanilla extract and dark rum.

Cooking Process

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
2. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
3. Gently add the banana slices to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture. Cook until the bananas are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully add the vanilla extract and dark rum. Return the skillet to the heat.
5. To flambée, using a long-handled lighter or match, ignite the rum. Allow the flames to subside and the alcohol to burn off, which should take about 2 minutes.
6. Continue stirring to combine all the flavors.
7. Serve the flambee immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Cooking Time

The entire cooking process should take around 15-20 minutes. Be sure to set your cooking timer to keep track.

How to Enjoy the Meal

Heard Island Flambee is best enjoyed immediately after preparation while the bananas are warm and gooey, and the vanilla ice cream is a creamy contrast. The visual spectacle of the flambee itself adds an element of excitement and indulgence to your dessert experience. Pair this delightful dessert with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine to complement the rich flavors.