Bananas Foster (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 medium bananas
02 - 1⁄4 cup butter
03 - 2⁄3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
04 - 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
05 - 1⁄2 cup dark rum
06 - 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 1⁄4 cup chopped pecans, optional
08 - 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Peel the bananas and slice them into long, thick strips. Alternatively, cut them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
02 - Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and whisk until fully dissolved.
03 - Carefully place the bananas in the skillet in a single layer. Gently stir until the bananas begin to soften.
04 - Add the rum and swirl to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the caramel thickens. Then add the vanilla and pecans, stir, and remove the pan from the heat.
05 - Before adding the vanilla, tip the pan away from you and ignite the rum with the open stove flame or a long lighter. Shuffle the skillet and let the alcohol burn off. Then, remove from the heat and mix in the vanilla and pecans.
06 - When the bananas are soft and the caramel is thick and honey-like, serve in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Spoon extra sauce over the top and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with apple juice and add 1 teaspoon of rum extract for flavor.