In a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt until combined. In a separate bowl whisk the milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet into the dry and stir gently until just combined; small lumps are fine. Let rest 5 minutes.

Cook pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with a little melted butter. For each pancake pour about 1/3 cup batter (approx) and cook until bubbles form and edges look set, 1½–2 minutes. Flip and cook 45–60 seconds more until golden. Transfer to a warm plate and keep warm while you make the sauce and bananas.

Quick Candied Walnuts

In a small nonstick skillet combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and begins to simmer. Add walnuts and butter and stir continuously until the liquid evaporates and the sugar recrystallizes and coats the nuts, about 2–3 minutes. If desired, sprinkle the cayenne or cinnamon and toss to coat. Spread nuts on a piece of parchment to cool; they will crisp as they cool.

Banana Foster Sauce & Bananas

Prepare bananas

Peel bananas and slice on the diagonal into 1/2-inch slices. Keep them ready near the stove.

Make sauce

In a wide skillet over medium heat melt 3 tbs butter. Add both sugars and stir until dissolved and the mixture is bubbling lightly, 1–2 minutes. Stir in cinnamon and lemon juice. Add the banana liqueur (if using) and then carefully add the rum. If you intend to flame, tilt the pan away from you and ignite with a long lighter; let flames subside naturally (or simmer without flambéing) — cook 20–30 seconds. Stir in vanilla.

Brown bananas in sauce

Add 1 tbs butter to the sauce and swirl to melt. Add banana slices in a single layer and cook, gently spooning sauce over them, until they soften and are coated, about 1–2 minutes per side. Do not overcook or they will become mushy. Remove from heat and season lightly with a pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness.

Assembly & Service

Stack three pancakes on each serving plate. Spoon a generous portion of warm Banana Foster sauce and banana slices over the pancakes so sauce runs down the sides.

Scatter the candied walnuts over the top. If using, add a scoop or 3 tbs of vanilla ice cream alongside or on top so it melts into the warm sauce.

Serve immediately while warm.