Banana Sinclair's Recipe
Fresh banana slices, brown sugar, dark rum and brandy sautéed until bubbly, then poured over vanilla ice cream
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Ingredients
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Banana topping
To serve
Method
Banana topping
- 1
Prepare bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them on the diagonal into 1/3-inch (about 8 mm) thick slices. Toss the slices gently with the lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
- 2
Melt butter and sugars
Place a 10-inch (25 cm) sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan so the butter coats the surface. Add both light and dark brown sugars and stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- 3
Add spices and bananas
Stir in the ground cinnamon and the pinch of salt. Add the banana slices in a single layer if possible. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes without stirring so the underside caramelizes slightly, then gently flip or stir the bananas and cook another 1 minute until they are warmed through and coated in a glossy syrup.
- 4
Finish with spirits
Remove the pan briefly from the heat. Carefully pour in the dark rum and brandy (stand back and keep face away from the pan). Return the pan to the burner and, holding the handle firmly, tilt the pan slightly toward the flame or keep on medium heat to ignite the alcohol if you wish to flambé (optional). If not flambéing, stir the spirits into the syrup and simmer for 30 to 60 seconds to let the alcohol mellow. If using, stir in the heavy cream for a silkier sauce.
- 5
Reduce and check consistency
Continue cooking for another 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened but still pourable. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Turn off the heat and let the topping rest for 30 seconds — it will thicken slightly as it cools.
To serve
- 6
Scoop 1 or 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each serving bowl or dish (depending on desired portion; recipe yields 4 moderate servings).
- 7
Spoon hot Banana Sinclair's topping over the ice cream, dividing the bananas and syrup evenly among the servings so each gets glossy banana slices and sauce.
- 8
Sprinkle with toasted chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Serve immediately so the ice cream melts slightly under the warm sauce.