Grilled Bananas Foster on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert made with bananas, brown sugar, butter, and rum. When grilled on the Arteflame, this dessert takes on a delicious smoky flavor that perfectly complements the rich, caramelized sauce. Serve it over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Optional garnish: chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium heat. You’ll be grilling the bananas directly on the cooktop and preparing the sauce in a cast-iron skillet.

2. Grill the Bananas

Brush the cut sides of the bananas with a little melted butter to prevent sticking. Place the bananas cut-side down directly on the hot flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bananas are golden brown and have grill marks. Flip the bananas and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. Once grilled, remove the bananas from the grill and set them aside.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a cast-iron skillet placed directly on the Arteflame grill, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Rum and Vanilla

Carefully add the dark rum and vanilla extract to the skillet. The rum will cause the sauce to bubble vigorously, so stir carefully. If you feel confident and safe, you can ignite the rum with a long lighter to flambé the sauce, letting the alcohol burn off. Be cautious and stand back when igniting the sauce. Allow the flames to subside naturally, then remove the skillet from the grill.

5. Combine the Bananas with the Sauce

Return the grilled bananas to the skillet with the caramel sauce. Gently toss to coat the bananas with the sauce, being careful not to break them apart.

6. Serve

Scoop vanilla ice cream into serving bowls. Spoon the grilled bananas and warm caramel sauce over the ice cream. If desired, garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Tips for the Best Grilled Bananas Foster

• Ripe Bananas: Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent them from becoming too mushy on the grill.
• Flambéing: If you're not comfortable with flambéing, simply allow the rum to cook down in the sauce without igniting it.
• Serving: Serve the dessert immediately while the bananas and sauce are still warm and the ice cream is beginning to melt.

Variations

1. Spiced Bananas Foster: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Nutty Bananas Foster: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the sauce for added texture.
3. Chocolate Bananas Foster: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished dish for a decadent twist.
4. Bourbon Bananas Foster: Substitute bourbon for the rum for a richer, deeper flavor.
5. Coconut Bananas Foster: Use coconut rum and add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Best Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a glass of dark rum or a cup of strong coffee.
• Side Dish: Serve with a side of grilled pineapple or a slice of pound cake.
• Dessert: Enjoy as is, or serve alongside a scoop of cinnamon or caramel ice cream.

Conclusion

Grilled Bananas Foster on the Arteflame grill is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and rum with a hint of smokiness from the grill. This elegant treat is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a special dessert at home.