Puddin'

The Mister spent most of his Saturday in the kitchen cooking up Haitian food for a dinner he was in charge of at the church last night.  Members were encouraged to bring dishes native to the area they served their mission.  We had everything ranging from tuna filled peaches to fried chicken.  The Mister worked really hard pulling this together and it was a huge success!  He even compiled a video from old mission pictures that members had provided.  There was a great turnout and all who came had an enjoyable time!  

While I didn't have an exotic mission dish to share, I did whip up some sweet Southern dessert.  Growing up, a potluck dinner wasn't complete without at least one dish of Banana Puddin'.  It's such a simple dish to make, but the results are to die for!

Banana Puddin'

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

3 cups cold milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

4 ripe bananas, sliced (ones that are just starting to get brown spots on peel are best)

1/2 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mixes, cold milk, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.  Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over wafers.  (This is a great job for the kiddos.)

Spread pudding mixture over bananas. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill until ready to serve.

It is so sweet, but oh so good.