With a French theme started for Monday night’s tapas dinner, we needed to create a dish to compliment the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs.  The meatballs seemed like they could be a pinch on the heavy side, so I wanted to make something lighter, most likely with a fruit or vegetable basis.

To be honest, I couldn’t think of a light French vegetable dish off the top of my head.  And as I was in somewhat of a rush to plan this menu with other more pressing items on my schedule, I didn’t have time to do research.  However, what did come to mind was a fruit flambé.  This seemed like it would be a simple dish.  Purchase some fruit, choose a liqueur from our pantry, and voilà!

This dish was a hit, both in presentation and preparation.  With very little prep time needed, it can be made at a moment’s notice for any occasion.  It also has the added benefit of the “Ooh!” effect of flames atop the dish when it is served.

Banana & Strawberry Flambé

2 bananas

1 tsp. butter, unsalted

12 strawberries

2 Tb. brown sugar

2-3 Tb. almond liqueur

Preheat oven to 350.  Butter an 8×8 baking dish.  Peel bananas, and place in dish.  Spread a small amount of butter on each banana. Wash and hull strawberries, and place between and next to the bananas.  Sprinkle brown sugar over strawberries and bananas.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bananas are tender, and remove from oven.

Warm almond liqueur, and pour over fruit.  Bring dish to dining area, and light immediately.  Serve once flames are gone.