Fancy Banana Pudding

November 28, 2011

Before coming up with and making this Fancy Banana Pudding for Thanksgiving, I was not a huge fan of the dessert at all.  This method of making it is absolutely amazing and has made me a huge banana pudding fan.  The contrast of textures is what makes it unique; there is some crunch involved, which is good to have when eating a usually soft and creamy dish.

Ingredients:
2 Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 Box Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 Box Nilla Wafers Cookies
1/4 Cup Confectioner's Sugar
2 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tubs of Whipped Topping, thawed
4 Cups Cold Milk
1 Stick of Butter
4-5 Ripe Bananas Thinly Sliced

{Here's what you will need!}

{You will also need a spring form pan for this dish {the ones normally used for cheesecakes/tarts.}

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

{Melt the butter!}

{In a bowl, add the 2 Tablespoons of sugar to the breadcrumbs.}

{Pour in the melted butter.}

{Mix well to combine.}

{Spread the buttered graham cracker crumbs in the pan.  Be sure to push up on the sides.  Don't worry if the sides are not perfectly even, this will give it character. :)  Bake the crumbs in the oven at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until golden brown.}

{In another mixing bowl, add your pudding mix and confectioner's sugar.}

{Pour in the cold milk.}

{Blend on high for about 2 minutes.  The pudding will be soft set.}

{Add in the whipped topping and mix a minute more to combine.}

{Add in the other bucket of topping and mix well.}

{The pudding/topping mixture will be nice and thick.}




{Meanwhile, the crumbs should be golden brown. Remove from the oven and put in the freezer while you slice the bananas.}

{The key to a really good banana pudding in my book, is reeaaaaaaallly thin banana slices.}

{Grab the crumbs and pan and start to assemble.  First, add a layer of pudding mix.}

{Then an even layer of banana slices.}

{Then the Nilla Wafers.}

{Repeat 2 more times for a total of 3 layers.  Start with pudding and end with pudding. :)}

{Layer 2...}

{...}

 {Layer 3...}

{...}


{The assembled masterpiece!  Let this chill in the fridge for AT LEAST 24 hours. I know, that is a long time - but you want the Nilla Wafers to absorb the pudding and get soft and yummy.  Plus, the flavors will really have a chance to meld together.}

{After 24 hours, loosen the spring on the pan and remove the sides.  Lift out the pudding and admire this beautiful and insanely delicious dessert.  This is a show-stopper and is perfect for entertaining.}


{The crumbs are crunchy and the pudding/bananas/cookies are soft and creamy.  The perfect mix of textures!}

{It almost looks like a cake... but it's not.}




{YUM, ENJOY!}
 
xoxo, thanks for reading!

Crazy Legs

November 27, 2011





{Zebra Skinnies ~ Tripp, via Torrid / Black T-Shirt ~ GAP / Black Sleeveless Cardigan ~ NY & Co. / Pink and Gold Stretch Belt ~ Thrifted / Black and Gold Reva Flats ~ Tory Burch / Black and Gold Leather Speedy Cube ~ LV / Bracelets ~ Forever 21 and Priyya C. / Jumbo Gold Hoops ~ Beauty Supply}

I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving!  :)

Mine was great; nice and relaxing.  I really enjoyed the long weekend, can't believe it's over already.

I did some shifting in my closet with my pants and found these tucked away in the back, so I decided to pull them out. They make a statement for sure and I had fun wearing them {even if I got a few up-down looks, LOL}. I tried to keep it simple and toned down with flats. 

The weather has been so pleasantly warm, no jacket has been required since Thanksgiving!  Such a nice surprise and I am enjoying every minute of it. ...even though it hasn't been cold enough to wear my new fab faux fur cropped jacket.  Can't wait to pull it out!



 
xoxo, thanks for reading! 

Chevron

November 23, 2011










{Denim Pencil Skirt ~ Forever 21 + / Black and White Chevron Top ~ Old Navy / Kelly Green Cropped Jacket with Chiffon Ruffled Sleeves ~ Etsy / Black Tights ~ We Love Colors / Black Suede Booties ~ Asos / Gold Ball Drop Earrings and Black Handbag ~ Daisy Boutique}
 
I am so in love with this top, I wore it twice in one weekend! I had a tough time deciding what to wear on Sunday to a baby shower and this top was the first thing to pop in my head; even though I wore it on Friday out to dinner.  Done!  Such an easy solution, I love when that happens.
 
I will be a cooking maniac this tonight and all day tomorrow. I will try to document / take pictures for a Thanksgiving recap post. :)  Fingers crossed that I will be able to share a few recipes.
 
Have a fantastic holiday!  Eat lots of good food and share lots of laughs with your friends and family.  I am thankful for each and every one of you. :)
 
 
xoxo, thanks for reading!

Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods

November 22, 2011

Chocolate dipped pretzels, does a better combination exist? Salty + sweet is the way to snack in my book.  These little favors are such a cute and easy idea for baby or bridal showers, birthday parties - any festive occasion, really.  And I think edible favors are the only way to go.  :)

These could also be made for the holidays as a little takeaway for your guests. 


{I start with a huge heat-proof bowl that can sit atop a pot of simmering water to melt the Candy Melts.  They can be found at the craft store and come in many different colors.  I used white for these.}



{Over the simmering water, let them melt down in the bowl until they are smooth.}

{These favors call for 2 pretzel rods per person.}

{Be sure to have fun and colorful sprinkles to add.}

{Mini chocolate chips are fun to use too.  They are so adorable, LOL!}

 
{Continue to stir the Candy Melts until they are completely melted and smooth.}

{I also melted some milk chocolate.}

{Using the same "double boiler" method. }

{It doesn't take long and be sure to keep the flame on low.}

{Start your dipping into the Candy Melts and shake off the access.  You want a nice thin layer.}

{Adorn with sprinkles as you see fit.  The colorful, the better! Let them rest on a cool surface to harden.  I normally use wax paper, but was out - foil worked just fine.}

{The line-up.}

{The melted chocolate can be used as well.  ...To dip...}

{...or to drizzle over the white candy coated ones {using a fork}.}

{So cute! I was sure to sprinkle in purple on this batch, since that was the theme of the baby shower I was helping to plan.}

{These double chocolate ones were a good idea as well.  I just can't get over how cute those tiny chocolate chips are.}




{These were {of course} Isis's favorite.  They are awfully cute, I have to say.  Perfect for any occasion.}


{I even made a few with pecans on them; since they are Cory's favorite.  Any other nut would work well too.}

 {The craft store actually has "pretzel bags", that perfectly  fit 2 dipped pretzels.  I created some labels, tied them with ribbon and was done. SO EASY!}
 
xoxo, thanks for reading!