Facts About Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster is a delightful dessert that combines bananas and vanilla ice cream under a rich, flavorful sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. The magic happens when the butter, sugar, and bananas are cooked together, and then the alcohol is added and ignited, creating a dramatic flambé effect. This warm, caramelized mixture is then poured over the ice cream and often topped with whipped cream and nuts for a touch of extra indulgence.
This iconic dessert hails from New Orleans and was first created in the early 1950s at Owen Brennan's Vieux Carré restaurant. Ella Brennan and chef Paul Blangé adapted a family recipe to develop this now-famous treat, which was named in honor of Richard Foster, a close friend of the restaurant's owner, Owen Brennan. Over the years, Bananas Foster has become a beloved part of New Orleans cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and the exciting tableside performance that accompanies its preparation.