032: welcome to the south! banana pudding

why hello there! yes, i know it's been forEVer since i've posted, but i have been sooo busy (yes, i know i always say this, too). but this time i think my excuse is pretty legit--i moved to florida and have been establishing my new kitchen. it's super cute with yellow and black tiling on the counters and tons of cabinet/cupboard space--i love it! also, my AMAZING housewarming gift from my wonderful parents was an electric 12 speed cuisinart standing mixer with a whip, dough hook, paddle, and splash guard and places to put on attachments such as a meat grinder, pasta maker, blender, food processor, juicer, and etc. loooooovvvvveeee it!!!!   anyway, i am loving florida life and my job, and of course being able to see my fantastic boyfriend everyday.  in fact, yesterday was his birthday (happy 22, love!).  to celebrate, i made his favorite dessert of all time (which i had never even heard of til i moved to the south last summer): banana pudding.  it was easy and delicious AND i got to use my new mixer!  all in all it only took about half an hour.  i hope you northerners give it a try and that all enjoy!

equipment:
mixer (handheld or standing)
spatula
mixing bowl
measuring cups and spoons
9x13" pan
knife


ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 package instant banana cream pudding mix (dry)
2 c. milk
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 carton cool whip
6 bananas, sliced
1 box vanilla wafer cookies


steps:
1.)  beat softened cream cheese on medium until fluffy.

2.)  in a separate bowl, whisk instant pudding mix with milk.  add pudding mixture, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to cream cheese.  beat all together on medium until smooth.  fold in cool whip until smooth.

3.) in a 9x13" pan layer pudding mixture, vanilla wafer cookies, and sliced bananas.  chill and serve cold.


time: about 30 minutes
difficulty: 1 (1 being easiest, 5 being hardest)
rating: ♦♦♦♦1/2◊ (4.5 out of 5 stars)
suggestions for variation: i wanted to try this with adding some banana liqueur and/or rum to the mix, but i didn't have time to run to the liquor store.  next time, though!


enjoy!
-kl :o)