Things I love....Dessert!

I thought I'd switch it up instead of posting a million pictures from weheartit.

Yes it's true, it's snowing in London! Now being from the snow capital of New York state, the half an inch of snow on the ground outside is nothing to me at least! But the chilly weather, boots, gloves and jacket are really getting me in the holiday spirit.

 I'm a little bummed out that my semester abroad ends so close to Christmas (by the time I'll get over being jet legged, I'll barely have a week to wrap presents!). Since I'll be missing a lot of holiday get-togethers, I've been focusing just on the one my grandma has every year on Christmas Eve. Since she's still not feeling 100% herself since she had surgery in August so I've promised that I'll take over the dessert making for this year's party!

My grandma's long-time friends always always send her the usual Christmas cookies and things like that so I've been searching around for something different & unexpected... and viola!
It's a recipe from an old season of Top Chef. My London flat only has the bare necessities (up until a few weeks ago we didn't even have a baking sheet!) So I haven't been able to test out the recipe yet, but it's on my to-do list when I get home. (I've got to test it out before I make the real thing for the party!)

CARAMELIZED BANANA CRISP WITH HOT BUTTER RUM SAUCE

For the Bananas

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 medium bananas

Melt butter in large sauce pan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and lower heat to a simmer.  Let simmer for 2 min. Slice bananas in a diagonal into 1/3" inch slices. Arrange in a single layer in sauce pan, turning after 2 minutes, until golden brown on each side.
 

For the Crisp

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour 

1/4 cup oats

1/4 teaspoon salt 
6 tablespoons butter 

Sauce

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/3 cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons dark rum

Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter or spray two individual ramekins.

Combine bananas, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon in a ramekin.

Mix sugar, flour, oats and salt. Cut in butter until it forms crumbs. Scatter mixture over batter and bake 40 minutes or until browned.

If anyone's feeling adventurous and tries it before I'm able to, let me know how it turns out!