What is Flambé?

Flambé, a French term meaning “flamed,” is a very special culinary procedure in which alcohol is added during the cooking process in order to create fire within a pot or pan. The flames are a result of the combustion of alcohol. Unless a great deal of alcohol is added to the pan, the combustion should last only for a moment. The flames are extinguished when all of the alcohol has been consumed or “burned off.” Bananas Foster is a dish that is often made using flambé techniques.

When a flambé is created correctly, it creates a beautiful and dramatic culinary scene. Some chefs who fancy flambé add a dash of cinnamon when appropriate as the spice also burns beautifully.