the ZuppeQueen Chronicles

One of the things that abounds in Fredericksburg Texas is anabundance of really great cooks.  Notice I did not say “chefs” which is generally an educated culinary talent also of which there is an abundance of in Fredericksburg.  Being a chef definately does NOT guarantee one is a good cook.

The very best cooks are true culinary talents in my book.  They prepare food that never gets returned to the kitchen or goes uneaten.  You know the difference if you have ever had a bad meal at the restaurant.

Well, the ZuppeKing ran on to a bowl of Banana Pudding that was a good as banana pudding any as I have had in entire my life (though I would  have never said that in front of my grandmother who considered banana pudding her speciality).

“Yummiee” as the televison food channel host, Rachael Rae would say.

Creamy Banana Pudding

14 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 1/2 oz pkg of Instant vanilla pudding
16 oz Heavy whipping cream
1 box Vanilla wafers
12 oz Cold water
As many bananas as you like

In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, cold water, and pudding mix.  Blend well with a whisk and place in refrigerator to thicken and chill.  While the pudding is being set, whip the cream with a pinch of salt and a few drops of liquid vanilla until it forms stiff peaks. Next fold the whipped cream and puddinging together taking care not to collapse the cream with over mixing.

Next, line a large bowl with vanilla cookies, you may need to “glue” the sides in place with a small dollop of pudding on each cookie. Layer the bowl repeatedly with bananas, then pudding, then cookies and so forth until all of the pudding is used.  Important!, end the mixture with a layer of pudding. Refrigerate for several hours until the cookies have absorbed some of the moisture and become soft.

Decorate the pudding with a light layer of coarse cookie crumbs, garnish with freshly sliced bananas and mint leaves and serve in bowls with large spoons.

It doesn’t get any better as far as comfort desserts go.  The ZuppeQueen and I think this would make the perfect breakfast dessert at the Town Creek Bed and Breakfast.