EASY BANANA PUDDING

Banana pudding was a favorite dessert when we were youngsters. Light, smooth, and full of good-for-you bananas. Back then our moms used graham crackers and pudding to make this dessert and it was always a welcome treat. It was especially nice in the summer when ice cream wasn't available. (Yes, there was a time when ice cream was only for special occasions.)

This recipe is originally from Food.com. It works up quickly, about 10-15 minutes, and is a nice way to make those at your table feel special. The whipped topping is low in sweetness, the bananas offer their own sweetness, and if you choose the sugar free pudding mix, it's even better.

NOTE: To vary the taste of the dessert, try making it with different flavors of pudding mix. Banana Cream, Cheesecake, Chocolate, are examples that will work well here.

EASY BANANA PUDDING

Ingredients

1 3.5 ounce package instant pudding and pie filling (Vanilla works best)

1 ½ cups skim milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups whipped topping

40 vanilla wafer

2 or 3 bananas, sliced

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine pudding mix, milk and vanilla.

2. With electric mixer, beat 1-2 minutes or until thickened.

3. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping

4. Using a 1 ½ quart round dish, layer half of the wafers, bananas, and pudding.

5. Repeat layers, ending with pudding.

6. Sprinkle with 3 crushed cookies for garnish.

7. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Serve and enjoy!

Mangia sano, fa bene!

(Eat healthy, it's good for you!)