Cookbook:Chocolate Bananas Foster

In New Orleans, where Bananas Foster was invented, they'll bring out a hot plate and make the dish table side, including a spectacular flambé.

Ingredients

 * 4 slightly unripe bananas, peeled and halved lengthwise
 * 2 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
 * 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
 * ½ cup (60 ml / 2 oz) dark rum
 * 2 teaspoons orange zest, finely grated
 * 1 pinch salt
 * ¼ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) granulated sugar
 * ½ teaspoon freshly-ground allspice
 * ½ teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg
 * ½ teaspoon freshly-ground cinnamon
 * 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
 * Powdered sugar

Procedure

 * 1) Combine all ingredients except bananas, powdered sugar, orange, and rum in a large skillet over medium high heat.
 * 2) Once mixture comes to a boil, add bananas, making sure to keep at least ½ inch (1.3 cm) between them. Cook for 1 minute per side.
 * 3) Remove bananas from pan and keep warm. Bring mixture again to a strong boil over high heat. Turn off the heat and add rum. If rum has not ignited by itself, do so carefully either with a firestick or a long fireplace match. Wait until flames die out before stirring in zest.
 * 4) Spoon sauce over bananas and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with some ice cream.