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The Ultimate Banana Split

Source of Recipe

From "Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food"


Recipe Introduction

"Going to the ice cream parlor as a kid, banana splits always seemed like the ultimate decadence. But this version — with caramelized bananas, buttery toasted almonds, warm fudge sauce, and fresh cherries — is not your average banana split. Buy the best ice cream your budget allows, or, better yet, make your own."

List of Ingredients

Hot Fudge Sauce:
â—¦ ¾ cup heavy cream
â—¦ 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
â—¦ 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
â—¦ ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

â—¦ ½ cup slivered blanched almonds
â—¦ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
â—¦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ 4 firm, ripe bananas
â—¦ About ½ gallon vanilla ice cream
â—¦ Whipped cream
â—¦ 4 cherries with stems


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350° F.
To make the hot fudge sauce, in a small saucepan, combine the cream and corn syrup and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let stand for 3 minutes, then add the vanilla and whisk until smooth. Let cool to lukewarm.

Meanwhile, on a small rimmed baking sheet, toss together the almonds and butter, then spread in a single layer. Place in the oven and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the salt. Let cool on the baking sheet.

Halve the unpeeled bananas lengthwise. Sprinkle the cut sides of each banana half with 1 teaspoon sugar. Heat a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat.

In batches to avoid crowding, add the banana halves, cut sides down, and cook just until the sugar is caramelized, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate.

To make each banana split, peel two banana halves and arrange, caramelized-sides up, in a banana-split dish or an oblong bowl. Place three scoops of ice cream between the banana halves. Top with the hot fudge sauce, a sprinkle of the toasted almonds, and a large dollop of whipped cream. Perch a cherry on top and serve at once.


Makes 4 servings


•  Change It Up:
Many ice cream parlors make their banana splits with a scoop each of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, and you may wish to follow suit. Or, use your favorite flavor of ice cream. You can also substitute toasted peanuts or cashews for the almonds.