Time: 30 minutes plus 6 hours to set

Lately, the news has been filled with events that show the importance of supporting each other, despite our differences. One great way to break down walls, is to get to know each other and in most cultures, food is a great way to meet your neighbors and get to know them, personally. We love to BBQ and over the summer, it isn’t unusual for us to have a dozen bbqs with more than 10 – 20 people stopping by for food and drinks at each BBQ! One simple dessert that we often make is this banana pudding recipe. Hubby loves southern food and this is one of his faves. We have also found most kids LOVE this dessert AND it is super simple for kids to help make for a potluck or BBQ… So, consider inviting some neighbors who don’t know well over – make this pudding and make some new friends! Enjoy.

Music Selection: Nickelback – When We Stand Together

Ingredients:

5 – 6 medium bananas

2 boxes instant vanilla pudding (113 g each)

6 cups milk (use amount of milk that pudding instructions recommend)

2 cups whipping cream

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 box nilla cookies

Directions:

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In large, clear flat bottom bowl/dish – place one layer of nillas. I like to also place a few standing up along the edges.

In large bowl, with electric beaters, beat the whipping cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks. Set aside in fridge.

In another large bowl, beat the milk and instant pudding according to directions. Follow directions for amount of milk and time to beat. Set aside.

Gently, ladle half of the pudding over the nilla cookies, trying not to re-arrange the cookies.

Peel the bananas and place a layer of slices of banana (about ¼ inch thick) over the pudding.

Next, place half of the whipped cream over the bananas.

Add one more single layer of the cookies (you can also stand some up along the sides of the bowl).

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Gently ladle and evenly spread the remaining pudding on top.

Add another layer of banana slices.

Top with the whipped cream!

Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge for at least six hours.

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Enjoy – add additional banana slices on top for decoration!