light, creamy, cool, sweet, without the heavy "thickness" of a pudding alone

In the name of "living my best life", today I made some "nanner" pudding. That's what Dad called it anyway. It was one of his very favorite desserts. When we were kids, mom used to make it on a semi-regular basis, and we all LOVED it. These days it doesn't come up often in the rotation of desserts. 

When mom made it, it was in a glass square pyrex dish as I recall, we would not have considered using individual jars. No one did that back then. But for a family of 2 with only 1 that loves sweets, this is a good way to go. 

So my friend Annette started this last week when she said she was going to make some. Then we talked recipes and she told me she was using the one from the NYT cooking section - which is from Magnolia Bakery with a few twists. 

I turned off the part of my brain that questions why I would do something that way (when it wasn't what mom did) and followed the recipe as written. 

While I waited for the pudding to get firm, I rummaged around for the jars. The vanilla wafers were also opened to be sure they were crisp. 

Heavy cream was whipped. Pudding was folded in.

Layering began.

Until at last there was no more room.

Lids were placed on top. In the refrigerator they went, where at this moment all the layers are getting to know each other, turning into one glorious taste treat.  Individually, the combination of the whipped heavy cream and the pudding together was delicious. Light, creamy, cool, sweet, without the heavy "thickness" of a pudding alone. 

P.S. I would like to report that after 5 hours of chilling, these layers melded together into one blissful dessert experience. One that our father would most certainly approve of.  If he was spending the night here tonight, I would know if I heard anyone scurrying around in the kitchen during the night, it would be him, just getting another taste or two to "tide him over" until morning.

If only. 

Comments

[Chris Oliveira]

When my Portuguese mother really enjoyed food, and if it reminded her of a loved one who had passed, she would say, “seja para as almas.” It translates literally as “be for the souls.” She said she was “offering it up” for the souls of her loved ones. I still do this too.

[Carol]

Chris: no adequate words to say how much I love this comment.

[Pam Michael]

Had to print off this recipe so I can make it! I always appreciate reading your blog and getting great ideas.

[Carol]

Thank you Pam! I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as I am.... Someone needs to come to my house and take the last 5 jars out of my refrigerator!