Flambe

Kate · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 3:44 am Post subject: Flambe

Many cooks are intimidated by the very thought of setting food on fire.
It's really very easy and can turn simple ingredients into spectacular desserts and entrees.
But a little caution is needed to avoid a disaster. Make sure you have enough room to flambe. Clear away any cooking clutter from the space around your stove. Do not turn the hood fan on, it can suck the flames up into the ceiling. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation, because it can get smoky. keep a lid close at hand in case your flambe gets out of control.The most important thing is give the flambe your full attention.Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen.

Warm the spirits that your using to flambe. Ideally you should have a gas stove to flambe, and by tipping the pan towards the flame the spirits will ignite. But a torch lighter will accomplish this easily.

Always use a wide shallow skillet to flambe in. Use a spirit with a alcohol content of but no more than 80 proof, such as brandy. Many liquers such as kirch will flambe nicely. Be ready for the flame! The first time I flamed a dish I jump and squealed...boy talk about embarrasing! I was surprised and excited, and my reaction was the begining of much good natured teasing.

Before that big dinner party, practice a little. Make a few test flambe's to get used to the concept.

Test Flambe

1/2 firm banana, sliced
3 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp soft butter
3 Tbsps warmed brandy, or try 99 Bananas
1 scoop vanilla ice cream

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir to combine. Cook syrup just until bubbly over medium heat. Add banana and swirl in pan to cover all pieces. Pour on the warm brandy and ignite with a torch lighter.
The flames will burn blue for a few minutes.Cover the pan to put out the flames. Spoon over ice cream and enjoy! Hungry

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Life's short...eat dessert first.

BabyDoLL · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:15 am Post subject:

I think I'll burn the house down with that this weekend MM Smile

lol
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Ya think?

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 390 Location: Italy

get a fire extinguisher handly ......
Wink

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In vino veritas!

kerismummy · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:21 pm Post subject:

it sounds quite scary and difficult

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 390 Location: Italy

alcohol flame is blue and at time can be almost invisible.
Unless you dont care about your hair, do not put your nose over the pan to see if the flame is gone. It may be not LOL....
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In vino veritas!

kerismummy · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:08 pm Post subject:

well i have quite long hair so i dont think ill be trying that one!

Kate · Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 7:21 pm Post subject:

BD..don't burn the house down and Paula, braid that hair. This is so much fun to make!
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Life's short...eat dessert first.

kerismummy · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 11:18 am Post subject:

when im feeling more brave i might try it!

Kate · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:36 pm Post subject:

The first time I flambed a dish , I screamed like an idiot when the liquor ignited. Everyone in class looked at me, I wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor. I was so proud of myself though, like I had discovered fire. I went home and made crepes and did the flambe thing. I was so surprised at how easy it was. As with any open flame, take ordinary precautions. No fussy sleeves etc. If doing the flambe at the table, use a torch igniter like they make for candles.
_________________
Life's short...eat dessert first.