Yep - if it is Bananas Foster you need to flambe it - that is a big part of the fun. However, if you are unwilling to do that part of the recipe, I guess you could just skip it and make the sauce as written without the flambe.... can you post the recipe?

Alexa

If you don't burn it you will have a very boozy dessert....not that that's a bad thing mind you!!
Just a little rum lighted is not a big "whoosh"...
Linda C

Can you do a practice run, with a little alcohol in a pan, in your sink? It really does burn off quickly. If not, there must be loads of other banana dishes that could take its place.
Jo

Be certain to use 80 proof rum, NOT the 151 proof stuff. The high proof rum will definitely make a whoosh, and probably singe your eyebrows. I've seen it done. High proof rum has a warning label about that.

Jim

Cookie:
You wouldn't make a good fireman. LOL!!!

Why don't you do a few Practice runs like Jo said.

And like Jim said use the 80 proof.

After a few poofs you will know what to expect.

Just do it Cookie !!! I have faith in you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Here is something I Googled

!: THE KITCHEN SINK THAT PUTS OUT FIRES:
1. A kitchen fire triggers a heat detector, which sends a signal to a pump under the sink.

2.The pump drives water through a nozzle,
which fills the room with a mist that ultimately starves the fire of oxygen.

Who knows , you may keep poofing , just for fun.
LOU

Maybe I'll psyche up my husband and he will do it. Fire doesn't bother him. Here is the recipe I intend to try.
Then again, a boozy dessert may be good - two babies sick with fevers here... I need an escape but can't leave them right now.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://baking.about.com/od/piesandfruiteddesserts/r/bananasfoster.htm

Skip the dessert and just drink the rum. (I am half kidding. I feel for you with the sick little ones.)

Hope everyone feels better soon.

Jo

I hear ya. I wont broil anything because my food always catches on fire.

I can grill a mean steak on the gas grill outside but flames in teh kitchen just dont feel right. Plus my smoke alarms go off, the smoke alarm woman starts screeching Fire! Fire! and stray dogs end up standing in the middle of my kitchen. I won't go there again.

Anyway. I love bananas foster! But I'll only order it in a restaurant.

Good luck with your babies, I hope they get better very soon. If you want to try a no fire alternative, this is tried and true by me and we all liked it a lot.

SAUTEED BANANAS WITH RUM
Source - some old magazine (from the 80's I think)
4 servings
Prep 3 min
Cook 3 min

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rum preferably dark
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice or cinnamon (I used cinnamon)
4 firm, ripe bananas, peeled and cut diagonally in 1/4 inch thick slices (3 cups)
1 pint low-fat vanilla yogurt
Accompaniment: ginger cookies (optional)

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Stir in honey, rum and spice. Bring to a boil, add bananas and toss to coat. Remove from heat. Serve over yogurt with cookies on the side.

Also works spooned over vanilla or rum raisin ice cream, coconut or pineapple sorbet or plain poundcake.

Warm the rum and make sure you remove from burner before igniting. I generally warm the room in a small saucepan and ignite at table................., pouring flaming rum over the bananas. It's a great show, better let hubby do it!

I'm disappointed. It didn't ignite! I did carry it across the kitchen and outside to place on the bbq. And it was snowing. Should I have put the alcohol in once on the bbq and still?

No woosh? Awww.....

I suspect the rum wasn't warm enough or it was too diluted with other ingredients.

Jim

Just another thought:

When serving flambes, it is important to dim the room lights. This makes for a dramatic presentation. You knew that, right? But did you remember to do it?
The occasion when my friend used 151 proof rum was dramatic alright. Almost enough to call the fire department. He had a skillet in each hand with flames nearly to the ceiling.

Jim

Aw, cookie, I'm disappointed for you, I was expecting a bonfire! I've never made Bananas Foster. I'm not afraid of fire, I'm afraid of bananas. Well, actually afraid that I might have to eat one, LOL.

I hope the babies are better..

Annie