Banana Rum Splendor Food

BANANAS IN BROWN SUGAR AND RUM

Steps:

• Peel bananas, and carefully cut in half lengthwise.
• In a medium saute pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and swirl until dissolved.
• Add 2 bananas, cut side down, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, turning very carefully.
• Pouring from a measuring cup, with the pan off the heat, add 1/4 cup rum. Stand back from stove, and return pan to heat. Shake the pan, allowing rum to ignite. Let the alcohol burn off, and again shake the pan, to coat the bananas. Cook until glazed and translucent, about 1 minute longer.
• Remove bananas to warm plates, divide sauce between them, and repeat with remaining 2 bananas.
• Garnish each banana with a little dab of creme fraiche or sour cream, and serve immediately.

BANANA-RUM SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Lightly butter the insides of 4 (1-cup) ramekins, then dust with sugar. Space them evenly on a baking sheet and put in the freezer.
• Put the bananas, brown sugar, lemon juice, and rum in a medium saucepan. Cook uncovered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bananas begin to soften, about 7 minutes. Mash the bananas with a potato masher or large fork until mostly smooth; continue cooking to make a thick puree, about 8 more minutes. Cool to room temperature.
• Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F.
• Whip the egg whites and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until foamy. Increase the speed to high, gradually pour in the 2 tablespoons sugar, and whip until the whites hold soft peaks. Fold a quarter of the whites into the banana mixture and then fold in the remaining whites. (Don't dally here; timing is everything with souffles. Whip, fold, and get the souffle in the oven without missing a beat.)
• Evenly divide the batter among the prepared ramekins. Bake the souffles until well puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Dust with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder, if desired. Serve immediately.