After bringing a few meals to my college friend and her family, I learned of a recent Meal Train locally. I gave it much thought as to if I could actually be able to do this every month...cook one full dinner for two people and enough for leftovers during the week. Think of the trust they have put into complete strangers cooking for them every week.
I am so glad I took the plunge. I have been enjoying meal planning for them and experimenting with new recipes to share. If you have the opportunity to join a meal train...I say all aboard!
My husband LOVES banana pudding! How great to find Magnolia Bakery's famous version to share with my meal train recipients and my husband.
I made little "to go" cups and packed them up with the rest of their meal. Although the recipe calls for Nilla Wafers, I crushed up a few Chessmen Butter Cookies for a little crunch on top.
A little note on this recipe.. it will take some extensive time. Although not a quick dessert to make, so worth the wait.
Banana Pudding
Courtesy of Magnolia's Bakery Cookbook
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1-1/2 cups ice cold water
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups heavy cream
4 cups sliced barely ripe bananas
1 (12 oz). box Nilla Wafers
In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined - about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well - about 2 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set. It will be watery if you don't let it set up long enough.
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks of pudding remain.
Dessert can either be made in individual portions or in a large glass bowl with 4-5 quart capacity.
To assemble dessert, arrange 1/3 of the Nilla wafers covering the bottom, overlapping if necessary. Next, layer 1/3 of the bananas, and 1/3 of the pudding mixture. Repeat twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer. Cover tightly and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 8 hours, no longer (because the bananas will start to brown).
