Not My Grandmothers Banana Bread

 When the aroma of banana bread wafts in your direction, most are intoxicated! That fragrance can invoke memories of a grandmother's smile as she creates miracles in her oven... Well, maybe your grandmother. Mine was the type that wasn't going to mess up her manicure for anything or anybody. Shirley Ree, my maternal grandmother, was a southern belle who would surely swoon at the thought of being anywhere near a hot oven. Besides she figured why sweat out her perm when Little Debbie & Sarah Lee have already done the work. Oh, how wrong she was. There are few things in life that compare to a slice of banana bread still warm from the oven. It is such a classic comfort food. Banana bread is sooo quick and easy to make, that even Shirley Ree could have made some if she felt so inclined.

P.S. Told you I had a bunch more stuff to do with all of my bananas :)

"Psuedotico" Banana Pudding

"Come Mister tally man, tally me bananas"...My little finca has banana trees popping up everywhere. I literally have a bunch of bananas. It is one less thing to buy at the grocery store. With two kids who love them, I AM WINNING! But there comes a time when you look over at your fruit bowl and the dark spots have overtaken the yellow skin. This is when the fruit flies invade, and "Psuedotico Banana Pudding" comes to the rescue! I hope you enjoy my attempt to add a touch of tico to my simple southern dish. 

P.S. With all of these bananas expect a "bunch" more recipes...Yah I know. LAME JOKE

List O' Stuff

12 oz box of Vanilla wafer cookies 

4-6 Bananas (preferably ripened)

Nestle La Lechera Dulce de Leche or Carmel

3/4 cups of Sugar

2 tablespoons of Corn Starch

3 cups of Milk

4 Egg yolks

1/2 stick of butter

1 tablespoon of Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract

How To

• In a double boiler mix together the cornstarch and sugar, then slowly add in milk. No double boiler? You can do this on low-med heat, just stir constantly until thickened. 
• Beat the egg yolks slightly and temper with a little of the hot custard. Stir well.
• Add the eggs to the mixture and cook for about 2 minutes. 
• Remove from the heat. Add butter and vanilla. 
• Let cool. Congrats! You made pudding. 
• In a baking dish make alternating layers of cookies, pudding, and then bananas. 
• Top off with a drizzle of the Dulce de Leche. You may use as much or as little as you like