Banana Flambé with Vanilla Ice Cream and Almonds

Ingredients
1 medium, ripe banana
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons sliced almonds
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream



1. Bring a saucepan to medium-high heat. Melt the butter, coating the entire face of the pan. Add the honey and allow for it to bubble Slice the banana in half, length-wise and then again, cross-wise. Place the four slices face-down in the saucepan.
2. Using a fork, turn the slices after two minutes have elapsed. Once softened, sprinkle an equal amount of brown sugar on the inside faces of the slices. Flip the bananas again so the brown sugar-coated side faces down. Cook for an additional two minutes then remove the pan from the burner.
3. To assemble, obtain a deep smoothie cup or glass. Pour one tablespoon of sliced almonds in the bottom of the cup. Place one banana slice over the almonds and top with 1/4 cup ice cream. Repeat the process one time and finish the dessert with two banana slices and almonds sprinkled on top.
*You must serve while the banana slices are still warm.


I was first introduced to this recipe in elementary school, during my core experimental years when all I knew about dessert was Betty Crocker brownie mix and pre-made Nestle cookie dough. Preparing the flambé, I remember feeling incredibly independent in the kitchen, creative and in-control. I shooed my mother away when she offered her help, focusing intently on crafting the perfect homemade dessert. I scooped the ice cream carefully and sprinkled the almonds precisely. I savored each and every bite, unashamedly proud of my creation. Today, this simple, charming banana flambé remains a favorite of mine. It is an ideal recipe to have under your belt for those casual weeknights when you crave something sweet but have neither the time nor energy to pull together an extravagant dessert. With its hasty preparation and cleanup, my beloved banana flambé will soon become a staple of your repertoire as well.