It can be hard to remember, with all of the champagne and extravagant parties, that while we are about to begin a new year, we are finishing one as well. This past year was filled with joy and love and lots of wonderful food. We saw my niece on her one month birthday and just recently on her one year. In June, Eric and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary with a memorable dinner and a weekend on the Cape surrounded by friends. And we got the terrific news that we have another little one coming in 2011 (“Squish” as we affectionately like to call it).
But, as the saying goes, the sweet isn’t as sweet without the sour.
Last week, I received a phone call from my dad telling me that his father was very sick. Within a matter of a couple of days, things went from bad to worse. And before we could even process what was happening, he was gone.
Eric and I had planned on flying down to Florida this coming weekend, but that all changed rapidly. We booked new flights and rushed off to the airport.
This past week has been filled with reflection. Reflections of my grandfather’s life, trying to piece together the memories like a jigsaw puzzle. This has been a particularly tough time for my dad, who will be a grandfather himself in just a few short months.
I have no doubts that he will make a wonderful grandpa. He will instill all of his humor (no matter how corny it is) and all of his wisdom. Like my grandfather, I know he will support the little one in all of his or her endeavors.
Ever since receiving the news regarding my grandfather, I’ve spent a great deal of time cooking and baking. It’s been my way to decompress.
Now, I don’t have memories of my grandfather cooking, but I did spend a lot of time with my father in the kitchen. He’s the one who taught me how to make some great stir-fry dishes (still some of the best fried rice I’ve ever had) and showed me how to grill meat and fish.
But it is the Bananas Foster that he would make each New Years Eve that I have the best memories of. It was our tradition. We would all gather around the stove in our pajamas and, just before igniting it, I would turn the lights off so we could get a good look at the flame.
This represents the very best way to start another year. And given the way the last one ended, I think beginning this upcoming year with butter and sugar and rum is much needed.
Bananas Foster
(recipe by Paula Deen via The Food Network)
Ingredients
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 bananas peeled, halved, and cut lengthwise
1/4 cup dark rum
Ice cream, optional
Directions
In a large skillet, melt butter. Using a wooden spoon, add brown sugar and stir together. Add the bananas and cook until caramelized on both sides, over medium-high heat. Move pan off heat, add the rum and return to the stove to catch a flame from the gas stove or a long lighter. Stand back when ignited and flambe the bananas. Be careful a flame will shoot up above the pan. Let flame die down and the alcohol cook out. Serve bananas over vanilla ice cream.
48 comments
Brian, so sorry again for your loss, but it sounds like your grandfather left behind a great legacy including you and your entire family.
Great idea to finish off the year with Bananas Foster, which by the way looks great! There is nothing like some time spent in the kitchen to contemplate and connect with the past.
The best in 2011 my friend!
You know I've been thinking of a treat for the new year and had completely forgotten how much I love Bananas Foster. I'm going to make it thanks to you!
I, too, am so sorry to read of your loss. While tragic at any time, the pain seems far worse when it's around the holidays. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. In the midst of heartache though, it's wonderful to read you can still connect to him through what looks to be a delightful treat.
On a brighter note, congrats on the one year anniversary. I wish you many more years of happiness.
Here's to reflection on a year past and best wishes to the year ahead.
So many changes this year, both for good and for ill. I don't think we can appreciate the sweet without a touch of the bitter, but as with food, the sweet tastes richer for it. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss, but wishing you a happier and bright New Year! Thank you for sharing this memory.
I am so sorry for your loss. Always remember he is with you always in all your cherished memories. All the best in 2011! I love bananas foster.
Brian
I am so sorry to read about your grandfather, its never easy but seems especially difficult around the holidays. It is best to remember how our loved ones lived and cherish those memories.
Your banana's foster does look delicious, and is a lost classic. Thanks so much for posting about this wonderful dessert!
Dennis
I've never had bananas foster as it is but love bananas foster french toast from a local restaurant here in Pittsburgh. The original looks really good! Have a happy and safe new year!
Keep those memories. That is what is important. As you know, I love boozy and flaming foods and have always been a big fan of this dessert. I agree, it is a great way to begin the New Year! I hope to meet you IRL this coming year. Best wishes for 2011!
I'm very sorry about the passing of your grandfather, Brian. Hang on to the memories–they're cherished moments that you'll have forever.
So sorry to hear about your grandfather:-( I also use cooking and baking as a way to decompress.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but it is so great you are keeping those special family traditions and memories alive. That bananas foster looks amazing and so classic… Thanks for sharing, and all the best to you in 2011!
So sorry to hear about your loss. Hope that you and your family have a blessed 2011, with other fond memories of 2010.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom on Thanksgiving this year, so I know how hard it is losing someone at the holidays. How wonderful to have a little one on the way. Congratulations!
I've been wanting to make bananas foster. Yours looks fabulous. What a wonderful tradition.
Brian, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you can find some release in cooking and baking. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian this post is lovely. I find it so poetic that shortly after your grandfather passes, your dad is to be a grandfather.
Also, I love the contrast of white ice cream against the muddled yellow bananas. Looks delicious.
I always love flaming the rum and remembering the first time I watched my mom make bananas foster. Your bittersweet post mostly made me smile because you have great family memories and future happiness. Beautiful photos, as always!
Brian, I'm so sorry about your grandpa but what a blessing to be expecting a new little one soon. Definitely mixing the bitter with the sweet.
your pictures have me wanting to run into the kitchen and whip up this terrific looking dessert.
Happy New Year to you and Eric!
A sad thing to have happen over the holidays but a favorite dessert of mine
It's strange how life goes sometimes isn't it. There never seems to be much time actually left to reflect silently, there's just always something to move on to. I am so sorry for your loss Brian, it's always a sad day when a grandparent passes (I only have one left!), but I think that you have found the perfect way to "lick your wounds: and move on. Rum, butter and sugar!
I always knew food had healing powers…:)
Happy New year to you and yours! Let's hope this year brings you many happy days.
MMnnn. . . I loves me some bananas, especially when their B – A – N – A – N – A – S !
Aunque el platano "Foster " son deliciosas, prefiero los plátanos Needleman.
ps. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH5ay10RTGY
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss; I've been out of touch these past couple of weeks so my apologies for my tardiness in sending you hugs. This post is such a wonderful tribute not just to your grandfather but to your own father and for me, it's what blogging is all about. Love you bunches and while saying, 'Happy New Year' seems somewhat inappropriate, I do wish you a wonderful new year full of love and of course lots of good meals!
Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. What a wonderful post honoring his memory. The bananas foster looks super tasty and comforting. Happy New Year and may it bring much happiness!!!
I couldn't agree more…this is a wonderful way to start another year. My grandparents adored banana foster…and this recipe reminds me of them. I'm so sorry about your loss, dear friend. You and your sweet family are in my thoughts.
My all time favorite dessert; something that I had in my 20's that I still love. I made caramel sauce for holiday gifts flavored with cinnamon and rum so everyone I know could easily make bananas foster too!
Like others; I feel for you and your Dad's loss and can share how cooking can somehow nurture the wounded soul. A touching tribute to your entire family…and know your Twitter family is here for you too. Virtually and Really. XOXO
Very sorry to hear of your loss & I'm exactly like you Brian – I turn to the kitchen & cook foods that remind me of my loved ones at times like this too. I agree with Barbara in the comment above, this post is a beautiful tribute to your loving family. Thank you for sharing.
I lost my grandfather last summer in a time when everything around me was falling apart. It was a huge blow, and I am SO sorry that you had to go through that, love. But, as you say, with the sweet comes the bitter, and with new life coming (congrats to your sister and to you, Uncle Bri!) there is so much ahead of you all.
Thinking of you massively – in the meantime enjoy some of this delish looking Bananas Foster! Love!
Jax x
I'm sorry for your loss, Brian *hug* My grandfather passed away last month and I feel your pain.
I love how this recipe has so much meaning. Good job, and good luck. Cheers to a new year
It was nice meeting you this year, and I hope we get to see each other more in 2011!
Hi Bri-I was so sad when you told me about losing your grandfather. This has been a rough month for some of us. You are reminded how precious life is. How important it is to enjoy every moment. To enjoy your family with good food like this dessert. Congratulations on the new baby to come. You all must be so excited! Beautiful dessert. Happy New Year -much love to you and Eric.
Brian, I am so sorry for your and your dad's loss. My grandparents were very important in my life, and their deaths were as great a loss as that of my parents. I hope you will all be comforted by your memories. I love your bananas foster tradition–in the kitchen in the pajamas! That's definitely a tradition to keep alive for coming generations of your family.
What a beautiful picture you painted with your words: the aroma of the caramelized bananas, the light of the flame, and the comfort & shared joy that comes with repeating family traditions together, year after year. Best wishes to all in your home and heart. Theresa
Aw Brian. I'm so sorry for your loss (big hugs). Congratulations on your anniversary and on your growing family.
This post is both sweet and endearing, thank you for sharing so much in such a wonderful way.
Oh Brian I am so so sorry! Many hugs and love to you and your family. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man and I'm sure he is looking down on you now with so much love.
This is quite a sweet post and bananas foster is truly a more perfect dessert for NYE. Something sweet to sweeten the new year. (And with a little rum to make it dizzyingly breathless.)
Oh. Man. I wish this thing had smellovision.
Such sweet memories of your grandfather. I hope you enjoy your NYE while you savor each bite of this special dessert with him in your memory
I'm very sorry to hear about your grandfather, but food & memory is so wonderfully connected, so food traditions like this will keep memories alive. Bananas Foster is my absolute favorite dessert, what a wonderful way to ring in the new year!
Brian, I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing somebody is always hard, during the holidays and when they don't live close to us is even harder and frustrating. In Italy we say something like "when somebody leaves us is just to make more space for a new life" (I couldn't translate it better). i strongly believe in it. Whether it is a true new life or our own personal re-birth. I with the new year will bring you many wonderful new lives. Baci!
Bananas Foster is one of my all time favorite desserts!!! YUM! Your photography is fantastic!
Brian, I am so sorry to read about your Grandfather but what a wonderful family and beautiful memories he has left behind, and it all leads full circle with the babies being born. Enjoy the memories, remember him with laughter and tears and then laughter again. And another helping of bananas foster in your jammies with your family! A very Happy New Year to you and Eric!
Bananas Foster reminds me of my dad because he used to always make it for us as a surprise at the end of dinner. And we were always so impressed. Yours looks SO good and your photos are beautiful
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I hope 2011 is a good one for you
Sues
Dear Brian,
"When you are sorrowful look in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." – Kahlil Gibran
Away for the holidays and checking in to your site was the first I've heard of your family's loss. Your post is a lovely tribute to your grandfather. My sincere condolences.
Brenda K (E&B's friend)
Brian – just checking in for the first time in a few days, and what can I say? This is sad, sad news. I hope you and your family are finding comfort in all those great memories . . . your grandfather sounds like such a lovely man and I'm certain he'll be sorely missed.
Brian, I am just getting through my google reader now….I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. What a beautiful tribute you wrote to such a wonderful man.
This is such a simple and appealing recipe. These are the bestl Thank you for sharing. Happy New Year!
I'm so sorry about your grandfather. My thoughts are with you and your family.
The bananas foster looks incredibly tempting.
Brian I am so sorry for your loss. This post is a lovely tribute to your grandfather and I know he is proud of you. Hugs.
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather Brian. It's always a shock to lose a family member, especially at this time of year. But how wonderful that you have such a concrete reminder of his presence in your life. Hugs.
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