Almost Banana's Foster

Laissez les bons temps rouler!  Happy Mardi Gras to all y'all down in the Big Easy! Here is a recipe tom help you celebrate!

Banana's Foster Risotto

1 C Arborio rice
1T rice oil
1/2 C apple juice or cider
3 T Honey
1 T maple syrup
2 t brown sugar
4-5 C hot water

2 bananas
2 T rice oil
1/4 C brown sugar
1/4 C apple juice or cider
1 t salt


Risotto:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet.
2. Add rice and Stir until coated evenly with oil.
3. Deglaze with apple cider.
4. Stir in honey, maple syrup, and the 2 t brown sugar.  For those who want it a little sweeter, you may increase the maple syrup to 2 T and the brown sugar to 1 T.
5. While stirring, begin adding hot water one ladel at a time. Adding the water in small increments allows rice to release starches and develop a creamy texture. Add the next ladle of water once you can swipe the spatula along the bottom of the pan leaving a clean trail.
6. Continue adding water until the rice has absorbed the liquid, cooked al dente, are held together by the cooking liquid, and do not look dry. Don't forget that the rice will continue cooking so it is better to undercook it when in doubt.

Banana topping:

1. Cut bananas in half then slice in half lengthwise.
2. Heat oil in a pan.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar and salt in pan.
4. Stir until melting.
5. Place bananas in face down pan.
6. Cook until sugar begins to caramelize on the banana flip and cook next side.  If bananas are small, they will sometimes cook before the sauce thickens or caramelizes.  Watch carefully so they do not burn or turn to mush.

Assembly:

1. Spoon risotto into a bowl.
2. Top with two banana slices.
3. Drizzle with sauce.