3270. BOURBON and BACON CARAMEL BANANA SPLIT

makes five servings


1 cup diced bacon
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons bourbon
1 cup plus 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
8 oz. milk chocolate almond candy bar
5 whole bananas
granulated sugar
5 good quality maraschino cherries
shaved chocolate
vanilla ice cream

Heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook the bacon until crunchy, about 6 minutes. Once crispy, pour off the excess fat and add the brown sugar, stir to dissolve. Deglaze with the bourbon and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Heat through and  keep warm while you make the whipped cream.

Add the cup of heavy cream to a large bowl and whisk in the brown sugar and vanilla. Whisk until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Melt the milk chocolate almond candy bar.

Cut the banana in half lengthwise and place on a flame resistant surface. Cover the flat portion of the banana in sugar and apply a flame. Let the sugar caramelize. NOTE: you can also put the bananas in the broiler to caramelize if you don’t have blow torch. Place them on a platter and top with the vanilla ice cream, bacon caramel, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and shaved chocolate. Repeat with the remaining bananas.


bacon recipe source: Michael Symon, The Chew, ABC-TV