Caramelized Banana Bourbon Ricotta Trifle

Caramelized Banana Bourbon Ricotta Trifle

• • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick slices

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons good-quality Bourbon

  • 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta (homemade or store-bought)

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon light cream or fat-free half 'n' half

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 cup crumbled cookies (wafer cookies, graham crackers, lady fingers, etc)

  • pinch of crystallized ginger

Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the bananas in the butter in a single layer and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Cook bananas for 4 minutes on each side. Add the bourbon to the skillet and cook for about a minute to cook off the alcohol, swirling the pan around.

Meanwhile, combine the ricotta, honey, cream and nutmeg in a bowl until smooth and creamy and set aside.

Set out two martini glasses or individual glass trifle dishes. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture into the bottom of each glass. Top with half of the crushed cookies. Add half of the bananas. Add another layer with the rest of the ricotta mixture, the crushed cookies and the bananas. Drizzle with any remaining caramelized bourbon liquid in the skillet, or with a teaspoon of honey. Sprinkle the crystallized ginger on top.

Serve immediately.

Yields 2 servings.