Go bananas - with pancakes

It's the season leading up to Mardi Gras, and Mardi Gras always reminds me of my favorite New Orleans recipes, especially desserts. And one of my most favorite desserts is bananas Foster.

If you're not up for the formality (or effort) of flaming crepes filled with ice cream, here's a simple dessert that has much of the famed taste.

Bananas Foster Pancakes

Ingredients

2 very ripe bananas

Your favorite pancake mix or recipe (about 1 cup or enough for 4 servings of pancakes)

Sauce:

2 tablespoon butter

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons half and half

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon Myers's Rum

Instructions

Mash bananas in a bowl. Add the dry pancake mix and stir. Add the liquid recommended and mix until just moistened.

Heat a griddle to medium. Spray it with olive oil. Make four large pancakes, turning when bubbles appear. Put each pancake in a bowl.

Make the sauce: Melt the butter and brown sugar until liquid and add the half and half. When bubbling, add the vanilla and stir, then add the rum and stir again. Remove from heat and pour over the pancakes. Serve. Add a scoop of ice cream on top if you'd like.

Warning: I don't even have the calorie count for this recipe, but it's totally delicious. For super decadence, double the sauce recipe.