Recipe of the Week

Okay. This is one of those recipes I saw Paula Deen make it on her Food Network Show over 3 years ago and I knew it would be a family fave. You have GOT to try this, especially if you like banana pudding!

My hubby’s b-day is this week and he requested this as his cake – it’s that tasty!

And, I have multiple copies of it in my recipe box that I’ve printed because so many people ask for the recipe after tasting it. This is a winner!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding - Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.
Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.
Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.
Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

This is even better if made a day ahead. The pudding firms up and the cookies soften a bit.

Episode#: PA1A08 - Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved