April Feature: Bananas Foster Woodbridge Inn Joe Rueffert Style
Bananas Foster à la Woodbridge Inn
A nod to flavor, flair, and fond memories in Jasper Pickens County, GA!
Some dishes are more than just dessert—they’re an experience. For many longtime residents of Pickens County, few memories are as sweet and theatrical as dessert at the beloved Woodbridge Inn. This month, we’re tipping our hats (and maybe our sauté pans) to the legendary Joe Rueffert, whose iconic tableside flambé of Bananas Foster left both hearts and eyebrows raised in delight.
Though this isn’t the original Woodbridge Inn recipe, it’s our homage to the showmanship, flavor, and warmth Joe brought to the community.
What Makes This Dish Special? ✨
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Inspired by one of Jasper’s most beloved chefs and restaurateurs
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Brings the wow-factor with a sizzling, flame-kissed finale
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Rich, buttery, and infused with banana, brown sugar, and dark rum
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The perfect dessert to impress guests or celebrate a special night in
🌟 Recipe: Classic Bananas Foster (Inspired by the Woodbridge Inn)
Servings: 2 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
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2 firm bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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2 tablespoons banana liqueur (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
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3 tablespoons dark rum (90–100 proof, for flambé)
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Vanilla ice cream (2–4 scoops)
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Optional: Chopped pecans for garnish
Directions:
1️⃣ In a medium skillet, melt butter over low to medium heat.
2️⃣ Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until syrupy and smooth.
3️⃣ Add the banana slices and cook gently for 2–3 minutes, basting with the sauce.
4️⃣ Pour in banana liqueur or vanilla; simmer for another minute.
5️⃣ Carefully add the rum. If flambéing, tilt the pan and ignite with a long lighter. Let the flames burn off.
6️⃣ Stir gently, then serve warm over scoops of vanilla ice cream. Top with pecans if desired.
🔥 Note: If flambéing, always take fire safety precautions and keep away from overhead cabinets.
Do You Have a Local Legend or Recipe Story to Share?
Whether it’s a dish that brings back memories or a recipe that’s become your signature, we want to hear about it! Plates of Pickens celebrates the flavors, traditions, and creativity of our community—just like Joe did.
Submit your local favorite through our contact page and you could be featured in next month’s culinary spotlight.
Let’s Keep Pickens Cooking with Heart!
Got a dish with a backstory or a flavor that brings people together? Give us a ring at 706-253-2818 or hop over to www.SpeakWithBethCompton.com to submit your recipe or story. We can’t wait to share more of what makes Pickens so deliciously unique.
Let’s honor the past and keep the flavor alive. 💛🍨
#PlatesOfPickens #TasteOfPickens #PickensTraditions #JoeRueffertTribute #WoodbridgeInnMemories #BananasFosterFlair
