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Why is it called banana foster?


Bananas foster is a delicious dessert made from bananas cooked in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum. It is a classic New Orleans dessert that was invented in the 1950s at Brennan’s Restaurant. But why is this dish called “banana foster”? The interesting history behind the name provides insight into the origins of this iconic recipe.

The Creator – Ella Brennan

Bananas foster was created by Ella Brennan, who was the owner of the famous Brennan’s Restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Brennan family had taken over the restaurant in the 1940s and Ella Brennan was determined to create new and exciting dishes to add to the menu. She worked closely with the chef Paul Blangé to come up with innovative recipes that would attract more customers.

In the 1950s, Ella Brennan set out to create a new banana dessert. She knew she wanted it to involve bananas cooked in rum and flames, to make it an impressive tableside presentation. But she was stuck on coming up with the right name for this new creation.

Naming the Recipe

According to the most popular story, Ella Brennan decided to name the new dessert after Richard Foster, who was the chair of the New Orleans Crime Commission. In the 1950s, Owen Brennan, Ella’s brother and the manager of the restaurant, was trying hard to get a liquor license for Brennan’s Restaurant. Richard Foster helped push through the approval of their liquor license request.

To show her appreciation, Ella Brennan named her new flaming banana dessert “Bananas Foster” in his honor. This story provided a name that elegantly summed up the key ingredients – bananas and rum.

Alternative Origin Stories

However, there are also a few alternative stories about the origin of the Bananas Foster name:

Named after a Family Friend

One story claims the dessert was named after a close family friend named Foster who was a frequent guest at Brennan’s Restaurant. Ella Brennan appreciated this loyal customer and named the dish after him.

Honoring a Louisiana Governor

Another account says Bananas Foster was named after William C.C. Claiborne, who was the first Louisiana governor appointed by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase. His last name was Foster, which Ella Brennan used to pay tribute to this important historical figure.

Created for a Specific Event

Some assert that Bananas Foster was invented by Ella Brennan specifically to be served at a civic group dinner honoring Richard Foster. This special event called for a new flashy dessert, leading to her creation.

The True Origin Remains a Mystery

Unfortunately, Ella Brennan did not leave definitive documentation about her creative process in naming Bananas Foster. The connection to Richard Foster seems to be the most popular account, but the true origin remains shrouded in some mystery. It was likely a combination of wanting to honor a helpful figure like Richard Foster while also choosing a name that would appeal to customers.

Rise to Fame in New Orleans

While the exact naming origin is uncertain, what is clear is that Bananas Foster was a hit at Brennan’s Restaurant after its debut in the 1950s. Ella Brennan had perfected the recipe after testing different versions and finally settled on the luscious combination of bananas, brown sugar, spiced rum, cinnamon, and butter.

Word quickly spread about this new dessert that was dramatically flambéed tableside in the classic New Orleans restaurant. Locals and tourists alike flocked to Brennan’s to try Bananas Foster for themselves. It became the quintessential New Orleans dessert, holding a place of pride on the menu.

National Fame

In the 1960s and 70s, Bananas Foster received even greater national exposure and acclaim. Brennan’s Restaurant was featured on NBC’s “Today” show in 1969, giving viewers across the country a glimpse of the restaurant’s dishes including Bananas Foster.

In 1975, Ella Brennan published a cookbook titled “Brennan’s New Orleans Cookbook” that included the recipe for Bananas Foster. Now home cooks everywhere could replicate the popular dessert in their own kitchens.

The New Orleans Culinary Institute also helped popularize Bananas Foster by adding it to the curriculum as a signature local dish. Students from around the world learned how to properly prepare this iconic dessert.

As Bananas Foster grew famous beyond Louisiana, it became forever tied to the culinary history of New Orleans.

Classic Recipe

Though there have been some variations, the classic Bananas Foster recipe includes these simple ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Bananas
  • Dark rum

The preparation involves sautéing the butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet until caramelized, then adding banana slices to cook for a few minutes. Finally, the rum is added and ignited with a match to create a flambé effect. The bananas and sauce are spooned over vanilla ice cream to create this irresistible treat.

Ingredient Amount
Butter 1/4 cup (1/2 stick)
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Cinnamon 1/2 tsp
Bananas 2 medium, sliced lengthwise
Dark rum 1/4 cup

Variations on the Classic

Over the decades, some variations on the traditional Bananas Foster recipe have emerged. Common changes include:

Using white sugar instead of brown sugar

Brown sugar provides deeper molasses notes, but plain white sugar creates a thinner, more delicate caramel sauce.

Adding a pinch of nutmeg

Nutmeg enhances the other warm spices like cinnamon. It adds extra flavor depth.

Using almond or walnut liquor instead of rum

The rum brings a signature boozy flavor. But non-alcoholic substitutions or supporting liqueurs like almond or walnut liquor can also be used.

Serving with ice cream alternatives

Though vanilla ice cream is traditional, bananas foster is also delicious over sorbets, pound cake, waffles, or pancakes.

Flambéing with 151-proof rum

A higher proof rum will create a bigger flame effect when ignited. But standard 80-proof rum also works.

Why Bananas Foster Has Endured

Bananas Foster has remained a staple on New Orleans restaurant menus and a favorite recipe for home cooks for over 60 years. Its enduring popularity comes down to several key factors:

Simplicity

The recipe only requires a few ingredients that most kitchens have on hand. It’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Crowd-pleasing flavor

The combination of bananas, butter, sugar, and rum creates irresistible results. It appeals to kids and adults alike.

Fun presentation

Cooking the dish tableside and lighting it on fire adds flair and theatrics that dazzle guests.

New Orleans history

As a quintessential local dessert, Bananas Foster carries cultural significance and nostalgia.

Memorable name

The catchy alliteration makes the name “Bananas Foster” stick in people’s minds and entice their tastebuds.

Where to Enjoy Authentic Bananas Foster in New Orleans

While Bananas Foster is served around the world, the best places to savor the original recipe are classic New Orleans restaurants, like:

Brennan’s Restaurant

As the inventor of the dish, no one makes Bananas Foster quite like Brennan’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. It has been their signature dessert since the 1950s.

Tujague’s

This is the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans, opened in 1856. Their classic preparation stays true to the traditional Brennan’s recipe.

Arnaud’s Restaurant

Opened in 1918, Arnaud’s is one of New Orleans’ most historic fine dining institutions. Their Bananas Foster is elegantly flambéed tableside.

Broussard’s Restaurant

Broussard’s dates back to 1920 and offers beautiful private dining rooms in a historic Creole townhouse. Their Bananas Foster is worth saving room for.

Mr. B’s Bistro

The next generation of the Brennan family operates this French Quarter restaurant opened in 1979. Their Bananas Foster recipe traces directly back to the original.

Bananas Foster Has Become a New Orleans Icon

While we may never know the exact circumstances that led Ella Brennan to name her banana dessert after Foster, this origin story has become forever intertwined with the recipe. The mysteries behind its naming only add to the legendary status of Bananas Foster as a timeless New Orleans classic.

More than just a delicious dessert, Bananas Foster has become a symbol of New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage. Food brings people together – both residents and visitors who fall in love with this iconic local treat.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster has cemented its place in New Orleans history as a beloved regional dessert. The dish connects back to important local figures like Ella Brennan and classic restaurants that shaped the city’s distinct food culture. Whether enjoying Bananas Foster as an after-dinner treat or making it at home to share, this recipe evokes the classic flavors, flair, and hospitality of New Orleans. Though the exact origin of the name may be lost in time, the enduring spirit of Bananas Foster lives on.