Temptation Thursday

“Dessert is probably the most important stage of the meal, since it will be the last thing your guests remember before they pass out all over the table.”
-William Powell

Hello! The recipe I am sharing today is my variation of the original Bananas Foster recipe. The original source and creator of this dessert was Brennan's Restaurant, in New Orleans (which I highly recommend). In 1951, Chef Paul created Bananas Foster and named it for Richard Foster, who served with Owen Brennan, the founder of Brennan's Restaurant, on the New Orleans Crime Commission. Richard Foster was a frequent customer of Brennan's and a very good friend of Owen.

“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana”
-Groucho Marx


(photo from Brennans.com)

Bananas Foster
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

* 8 medium bananas
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
* 1/4 cup banana liqueur
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup dark rum
* french vanilla ice cream
* cinnamon sugar

Directions:

1.) Peel bananas & cut each banana in half lengthwise.
2.) Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3.) Stir in brown sugar, liqueur, and cinnamon.
4.) Bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes.
5.) Add bananas; cook for 4 minutes or until tender.
5.) Remove from heat.
6.) Add rum to pan, and ignite rum with a long match.
7.) Stir bananas gently until flame dies down.
8.) Place 2 scoops of ice cream in 8 bowls.
9.) Serve banana mixture over ice cream.
10.) Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Thought of the Day:

“Just think of all those women on the Titanic who said, "No, thank you," to dessert that night. And for what!”
-Erma Bombeck

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Mangia Monday!

Today I have two great drink recipes to share with you. Enjoy!

The first recipe is non-alcoholic and has been a popular summer tradition in Massachusetts since the early 1900s. The first time I had this drink was in Cape Cod many years ago, and now it is a yearly tradition for us on the Cape! You can make it with almost any type of berry and it would taste just as wonderful!

My second recipe today is an alcoholic drink, called a Mojito! The Mojito is known as the national drink of Cuba. Many people say it was invented in the late 19th century but, it actually may date back to an even earlier origin. It has been said that “pirates” of old, may have concocted drinks similar to the mojito, perhaps in the 16th century. The earliest mojito may have been a combination of a rum variant, aguardiente (fire water), and that these pirates of old introduced the drink to Cuba.


“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.”
-Alfred E. Neuman

Frozen Lemonade w/ Blackberry Puree
(adapted from Williams-Sonoma)

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

* 1 1/4 cups plus 1 tsp lemon juice
* 1/3 cup orange juice
* 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs simple syrup (recipe below)
* 1 pint fresh blackberries, juiced, plus more for garnish
* 4 1/2 cups ice cubes
* 4 fresh mint sprigs (optional)
* 4 Iced Tea glasses

Directions:

1.) Stir together 1 1/4 cups lemon juice, the orange juice and 3/4 cup simple syrup. in a small bowl. Set aside.
2.) In another bowl, stir together the blackberry juice, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 2 Tbs. simple syrup. Set aside.
3.) Put the ice cubes in a blender and add the lemon juice mixture.
4.) Using the crush setting, (or high speed), blend until smooth.
5.) Put 1 Tbs of the blackberry puree into each glass.
6.) Pour in the lemonade mixture, dividing evenly.
7.) Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and a few blackberries.
8.) Serve immediately.


“Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy.”
-Frank Sinatra


Mojito:

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

* 12 fresh mint leaves
* 3 Tbs simple syrup (recipe below)
* 2 Tbs lime juice
* Crushed ice as needed
* 2 ounces light rum
* 2 ounces club soda
* 2 lime wedges
* 2 high ball glasses

Directions:

1.) Place the mint leaves in the bottom of the highball glasses.
2.) Add the simple syrup and lime juice and mix well.
3.) Fill the glasses with crushed ice.
4.) Add the rum and club soda and stir.
5.) Garnish with the lime wedge.


Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup water
* 1 cup sugar

Directions:

1.) In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water to a simmer.
2.) Add the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves.
3.) Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
4.) Pour the syrup into a pint sized container and seal.
5.) Refrigerate until ready to use.


Silly Joke of the Day:

What is a tree's favorite drink?
..........Root Beer.


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!