Grilled Banana Split

Make the caramel sauce: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil but do not stir. Once mixture has turned amber in color, remove from heat.

Add cream and quickly mix together. Return pan to the stove over low heat. Cook until sauce thickens. Add rum, if using, and butter. Mix well. Transfer to a bowl and set aside until ready to use.

Prepare the grilled bananas by brushing the cut side of the bananas with softened butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Place 4 banana halves, cut side down, on the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until sugar has caramelized. Repeat with remaining bananas. Set aside.

To assemble, place one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream in a bowl. Arrange two slices of grilled bananas. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with peanuts and garnish with maraschino cherries. Repeat to make a total of 4 servings. Serve immediately.