Banana Creme Brûlée

If you have ever been on a cruise...you know that the food is quite special! Last year we cruised the Caribbean...and I came home with the Royal Caribbean International Cookbook...which happens to contain recipes for many of the delicious dishes I sampled on board. One of my favorite desserts was Bailey's Banana Creme Brûlée. The recipe I am sharing here today is not exactly as printed in the cookbook...but a somewhat more simplified version. I discovered that it doesn't need double boilers and strainers after all!


Creme Brûlée

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons of Bailey's Irish Cream
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Method:

1. Beat egg yolks and sugar until lemon coloured.
2. In a heavy saucepan heat cream to scalding (just under a boil) over medium heat.
3. Stir in Bailey's Irish Cream.
4. Add hot cream mixture slowly to egg mixture stirring continually.
5. Divide custard into individual brulee dishes or ramekins. (Fills six 7 oz. ramekins.)
6. Set filled brulee dishes in a large deep-sided baking dish.
7. Add enough water to reach halfway up the brulee dishes.
8. Bake for 40 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit...until set but still trembly.
9. Remove from pan and cool. Chill for several hours.
10. Several hours before serving, sprinkle 1 Tablespoon brown sugar over each cup.
11. Broil 6-8 inches from heat until sugar is caramelized....it will turn brown and bubble.
12. Watch very carefully.
13. Let stand 15 minutes; then chill again until serving time.
14. Top with caramelized bananas (below) and a spoon of whipped cream.
15. Serves six.

Caramelized Bananas

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 bananas, sliced

Method:

1. Melt butter and sugar in skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sour cream and whisk until smooth.
3. Add banana slices and caramelize for about two minutes.

The Bailey's Irish Cream gives it a wonderful flavour, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla if you prefer. You can also omit the banana topping and instead top with whipped cream and toasted hazelnuts. It's actually quite simple to make...and most delicious with the crunchy brown crust. If you are looking for a special dessert...you might want to give this a try!