Pan of pudding hits the spot

The other day I noticed some bananas on the counter that were showing signs that they were definitely ripe and ready to be used...and soon! When that happens, they are usually used in one of two ways - either my husband throws them in the blender to make a milkshake or I mash them into batter for some moist banana bread. We're still in the thick of summer, though, in Chicagoland, so I'm still not using the oven all that much.

I decided to do a no-bake dessert that would utilize the bananas - a classic layered pudding dish. It's easy and comforting, even on a summer day.

About 30 vanilla wafers
1 3.4 oz. box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 8 oz. container of whipped topping

Prepare pudding as directed, using the 2 cups cold milk. While it sets, layer the bottom of a 9 X13 baking dish with vanilla wafers. Pour pudding over wafers. Layer banana slices over pudding. Cover with layer of whipped topping.

This isn't the prettiest specimen. You can also do multiple layers in a trifle dish or make single servings in parfait cups. And if you want to go with more of a banana flavor, use banana pudding. Or adding a second layer of chocolate pudding. Dust the top with graham cracker crumbs or chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Let your imagination run. :)