Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 34 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons Bourbon
  • 1 12 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 6 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 3 bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 6 tablespoons espresso
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  • For pudding: Melt the butter in a medium-size heavy-duty saucepan.
  • Mix in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture bubbles vigorously.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, adding it 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Stir in the milk and salt.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and eggs until the cornstarch is dissolved.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the pudding comes to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer, continue to stir, and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Pour the pudding into a container and stir in the bourbon and vanilla.
  • Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  • To caramelize the bananas: Melt the butter in a large skillet.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, add the banana slices, and cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until the bananas begin to sizzle.
  • Add the coffee and vanilla and continue to cook until the juices thicken to the consistency of maple syrup, Avoid stirring the bananas.
  • Instead, tilt the pan and spoon the sauce over the bananas as they cook.
  • To Serve: Dish up the pudding in individual custard cups or in tall glasses with the banana slices heaped over it.