Friday, May 18, 2007
Today's Food Porn Friday is dedicated to my brother, Bob. It's his birthday today and I thought I might share what I remember as his favorite dessert when we were growing up. I love you, Big Brother!
Banana Pudding
When I mentioned to my friend, Laura, that I was doing Banana Pudding today in honor of my brother's birthday, she said in that broad Charleston drawl of hers, "Oh, yes, darling...It's the tiramisu of the South!"
It struck me strongly how very true this was. Both desserts are layered melanges of ingredients that speak to the cultures where they originate. Just as the combination of lady fingers, espresso and shaved chocolate can somehow transport you to the Tuscan countryside, Banana Pudding seems to invoke one's favorite memories of the South.
It is present at gatherings both high and low and is made in a variety of compositions. My mother favored a much simpler recipe than the one I am sharing with you today. She made it in a large Pyrex baking dish and the left-overs never lasted very long. The wait for it to "set" in the refrigerator was excruciating. I can remember my mother declaring loudly to all, "That Banana Pudding is for dinner! So nobody touch it!" It was a favorite of both my father and my brother. I can remember standing in front of the open fridge and sneaking spoonfuls of it.
Without further ado.....
It struck me strongly how very true this was. Both desserts are layered melanges of ingredients that speak to the cultures where they originate. Just as the combination of lady fingers, espresso and shaved chocolate can somehow transport you to the Tuscan countryside, Banana Pudding seems to invoke one's favorite memories of the South.It is present at gatherings both high and low and is made in a variety of compositions. My mother favored a much simpler recipe than the one I am sharing with you today. She made it in a large Pyrex baking dish and the left-overs never lasted very long. The wait for it to "set" in the refrigerator was excruciating. I can remember my mother declaring loudly to all, "That Banana Pudding is for dinner! So nobody touch it!" It was a favorite of both my father and my brother. I can remember standing in front of the open fridge and sneaking spoonfuls of it.
Without further ado.....
Banana Pudding
One large bunch of Bananas (about 6)
One large box of Jell-O Instant Vanilla Pudding
3 cups cold milk
1 large container of Cool Whip
1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream
2 boxes of Nilla Vanilla WafersLine a large bowl or trifle dish with vanilla wafers, pretty side out. Make your vanilla pudding in a blender then pour into a large mixing bowl. Alternate layers of thinly sliced bananas and vanilla wafers until your trifle dish or bowl is full. Gently fold the sour cream and half of the Cool Whip in with the pudding, then pour over the layered vanilla wafers and bananas. Chill for at least six hours before spreading or piping the remaining Cool Whip on top, garnishing and serving.
Of course, there are ways of making this more complicated. You can use your own homemade boiled custard and/or use real whipped cream added just before serving. You may omit the sour cream and Cool Whip and make it much more simply than this. But do try it if you have never heard of this dessert before. I guarantee you will find a new family favorite.
Bob, Frannie and Simone
coming over the dunes on St. Simon's Island, GA
**********************************************
For my brother.....
Bob, Frannie and Simone
coming over the dunes on St. Simon's Island, GA
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But more than that, I love the nostalgia for your family that you always weave through every recipe.
You are gifted in so many ways and your site is my oasis.
Banana pudding is one of my favorites. I make it with graham crackers rather than vanilla wafers. I line the bottom of an oblong pan with the crackers, pour the banana pudding mixture on top and then finish it off with graham cracker crumbs. I have never tried adding sour cream and cool whip to the banana mixture. Sounds sinfully good. Will have to try it someday.
And I love that photograph from the beach.
Not as far as I know, Chris...