Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding is the ideal comfort dessert.  Everyone in the family loves it, I wondered why I don't make it more often.  It is not hard to make and takes minimal time to make.   Basically, you make a custard, slice up some bananas, and make layers of vanilla wafers, custard, bananas and repeat.  The top of the pudding is covered with beaten egg whites.  Bake for about 10 minutes and your dessert is done.
A rich creamy pudding with a tasty combination of bananas and vanilla wafers.

Banana Pudding
From Southern Living Adapted Slightly by From My Southwest Kitchen 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash Salt
2 1/4 cups whole milk
4 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/3 cups vanilla wafers
4-5 ripe bananas
3 tablespoons sugar

 Directions: 
 Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°. Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together sugar mixture, milk, and 4 egg yolks in a medium-size heavy saucepan until well blended. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.

 Step 2
Layer half of vanilla wafers in an 8-inch square baking dish. Top with half of banana slices and half of pudding. Repeat procedure with remaining wafers, banana slices, and pudding.

 Step 3
Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add 3 Tbsp. sugar, beating until sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pudding, sealing to edge of dish.

 Step 4
Bake at 375° for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool 30 minutes, and serve warm; or chill an additional hour, and serve cold.

Makes 8-10 servings

Creamy Banana Pops

It's getting hot outside.  Time to dig out and clean my Popsicle molds. These delicious frozen treats were a favorite of mine as a kid.  When I was a kid there weren't the exotic flavors that you can make today.  Pudding pops, berry pops, smoothie pops, yogurt pops, - you get the picture.

Today's recipe is for creamy banana pops.  So easy to make and so creamy and delicious.  Take some ripe bananas and toss them in a blender with some cream, milk, sugar,  and vanilla extract.  Swirl until smooth.  Pour the mixture into some Popsicle molds. Put on the tops and freeze.

 
If you don't have Popsicle molds  - not to worry.   Just pour the mixture into 5-ounce paper cups.   Let the pops freeze for about 1 hour so you can insert a wooden stick in the center.  Place back in the freezer until solid.  Remove from freezer and enjoy a delicious frozen treat.  A great way to enjoy the hot summer days:)



Creamy Banana Pops 
From Dave Lieberman Adapted by From My Southwest Kitchen
 
Special Equipment:Popsicle molds-12 or 12 Paper Cups 5- ounce size and 12 wooden sticks

Ingredients:
2 medium bananas, very ripe
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1.   Place all of the ingredients in a blender.  Blend until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into Popsicle molds or paper cups.  Place in the freezer.  For Paper Cups Only: Place pops in the freezer for 1 hour.  remove and insert a wooden stick in the center of the pops.  Return to freezer.
3. Freeze the pops until solid - about 4 hours.
4. Remove the Popsicle from the freezer. Let the molds sit for about 5 minutes or more.   Remove the pops from the mold and serve.  For the cups.  Peel the paper cups away and serve. 

Makes 12  popsicles