Bananas Calypso

For a dramatic, festive finale, try this flaming tropical dessert. A sweet dessert wine will know just how to coddle the butter and rum, or a sweeter Gewürztraminer will make a great companion to the bananas. Alternatively, a sip of caribbean stout.

1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 firm bananas, peeled
1/3 cup dark rum
4 scoops ice cream

In a small bowl combine sugar, melted butter, lime juice, and cinnamon. Brush bananas with about 1/4 cup of butter mixture.

Place bananas on center of cooking grate. Grill 2 to 4 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling. Slice grilled bananas and place slices in a flameproof dish. Pour remaining 1/2 cup butter mixture into dish. Place dish on center of cooking grate. Cook 5 minutes. Remove dish from grill. Quickly pour rum over bananas. Light rum with long kitchen matches. After flames die out, serve immediately over ice cream.

Makes 4 servings.

Note: For another tropical treat, you can substitute 2 semi-firm mangos for the bananas. Peel and cut into 1-inch thick slices.