Bananas Foster

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sugar and cook, stirring, until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add banana halves, cut-side down; cook for 2 minutes. Gently turn the bananas over. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the sauce, add bean to the pan; cook, stirring for 1 minute.

Increase heat to high and turn on the stove's exhaust fan. Add rum. Using a potholder or oven mitt and a long match or long lighter, carefully ignite the alcohol. Remove from heat and let the fire subside. Spoon the sauce over the banana halves, return the pan to medium-low heat and cook for 1 minute more. Serve hot with the sauce spooned over the bananas.