Banana pudding - a classic Southern dessert! Here's a simple recipe to make a delicious banana pudding:
Ingredients: - 4 large ripe bananas, sliced - 1 cup sugar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 cups milk - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup heavy cream, whipped - 1 cup Nilla wafers, crushed - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions: 1. *Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt*: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. 2. *Add milk and cook*: Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. 3. *Reduce heat and simmer*: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens. 4. *Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and melted butter*: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract and melted butter. 5. *Chill the pudding*: Pour the pudding into a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. 6. *Assemble the banana pudding*: In a large serving dish or individual cups, create a layer of Nilla wafers. You can trim the wafers to fit the dish or cups. 7. *Add sliced bananas*: Add a layer of sliced bananas on top of the Nilla wafers. 8. *Pour the chilled pudding*: Pour the chilled pudding over the bananas. 9. *Top with whipped cream and crushed Nilla wafers*: Top the pudding with whipped heavy cream and sprinkle with crushed Nilla wafers. 10. *Optional: add chopped nuts*: If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of the whipped cream.
Tips and Variations: - *Use ripe bananas*: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the pudding will be. - *Don't overcook the pudding*: Cook the pudding until it thickens, but don't overcook it, or it will become too thick and sticky. - *Use different types of cookies*: Experiment with different types of cookies, such as chocolate sandwich cookies or peanut butter cookies, for a unique flavor combination. - *Add a splash of liqueur*: Add a splash of liqueur, such as rum or bourbon, to the pudding for a grown-up twist. - *Make individual servings*: Make individual servings of banana pudding in cups or ramekins for a convenient and portion-controlled dessert.
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