Warm Bananas with Brown Sugar and Bay Leaf

Ingredients

• 1 quart bananas ripe peeled
• 2  bay leaves 
• 2 tablespoons brandy 
• 0.3 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper fresh black
• 2 tablespoons juice of lemon fresh
• 1 cup brown sugar light packed
• 1 cup orange juice fresh
• 1 pinch salt 
• 4 tablespoons butter unsalted

Equipment

• frying pan

Directions

1. In large skillet over high heat, melt the butter and cook until it browns, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the bay leaves and stand back (it may pop).
3. Add the lemon juice, orange juice, brown sugar, brandy, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture up to a boil. Stir and cook until the liquid has reduced by half and it has reached a syrupy consistency, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat.
5. Add the bananas and pepper. Stir to coat the bananas evenly.
6. Serve immediately spooned over cake or ice cream.
7. Cooking Notes: You can make the sauce hours ahead of time. Just add the fruit after you bring the sauce back to a simmer. The fruit should be a little cool inside.
8. Serve it with a good, store bought chocolate cake or spoon it over your favorite ice cream.