Frozen Caramelized Banana and Chocolate Bombe

In a large saute pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the bananas and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the liqueur and rum . Return the pan to the stove and carefully ignite the alcohol and shake the pan until the flames die down, about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and cool completely. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine the milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a scalding point. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add the cream mixture about 1/4 cup at a time to the beaten eggs , whisking well after each addition. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan , and cook, stirring, over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture into a large glass mixing bowl. Add the pureed bananas and stir to mix. Cover the top with plastic wrap pressed against the surface and let cool. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill completely. Pour the banana mixture into an ice cream machine and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the churning time. **If you leave the ice cream in the freezer for a while before completing the pie , be sure to let it soften up a bit first.

To assemble: Line 1 cup molds with plastic wrap. Spread 3/4 cup of the ice cream over the bottom and sides of the individual 1 cup molds. Spoon 1/4 cup of the chocolate mousse in the center of the mold. Fill the mold with the remaining ice cream. Wrap the molds in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. For the garnish : In a saute pan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Cook the sugar mixture for 1 minute. Add the bananas and continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. To serve, drizzle each plate with the chocolate sauce. Unmold the bombes and place in the center of each plate. Spoon the banana mixture over each bombe and serve immediately.

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan, over medium heat, and bring to a simmer . Cook until the chocolate melts completely, whisking occasionally. Remove from the heat, pour into a glass bowl and cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled. In an electric mixer with a wire whip , beat until the cream forms firm peaks.

Yield: 2 1/2to 3 cups Combine the half-and-half and butter in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture until a thin paper-like skin appears on the top. Do not boil. Add the chocolate and vanilla and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool. Yield: 1 1/2 cups