Mid-January and that healthy eating kick is starting to feel a little more difficult now that the Christmas and New Year dust has settled, well for us it has anyway. So, we thought we’d share some fruity inspiration to give you a bit of a lift. This week’s boost comes in the form of Banana. Banana Pudding that is… Well, what did you expect?!

It’s one of our favourite desserts for more reasons than one. Tasty and easy to prepare Banana Pudding works as a dessert for a special occasion or as a dish for a family dinner and it’s open to variation which means you can prepare to your own taste.

Originally just bananas, custard and a topping the dish has developed quite a bit since it’s initial inception in the 19th century with the import of bananas from the caribbean to the US. American cooks were intrigued by the exotic fruit and tried them in existing recipes which were typically puddings and custards. However since Mary Harris’ published a cook book called “the Kentucky Receipt book” in 1903 with an official recipe the Banana Pudding has become known for it’s delicious rich layers of custardy pudding, slices of bananas, meringue and crunchy vanilla wafers.

For special occasions, Banana Pudding is often dressed up with a whipped cream or meringue topping for texture. Yet the best thing about it is it’s a really simple pudding with little fuss – perfect for low-key occasions too! The recipe requires very little effort for such a great dessert, it’s just case of combining all of the ingredients in a pan and whisking until it’s thick which is great if you’re preparing it at home and of course it’s open to artistic licence. Replacing the custardy filling with vanilla is a popular variation.

If you’ve never made Banana Pudding before, here’s the ingredients for a vanilla style you’ll need to get you started:

5 Ripe Bananas
2 of Reduced-Fat Milk
2/3 cup of Sugar
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1/4 tspn Salt
2 large Eggs
1 tbsp Butter
Whipped Topping

Sweet, flavourful and simple to make. Banana pudding is a great pudding for the new year.

Vanilla In Allseasons are experts at catering for your specific needs whether it be desserts or mains we’re here to help. If your are interested in working with Vanilla don’t hesitate to get in touch via 01625 421 685 or email us at info@vanillainallseasons.co.uk