Everyday Mom's Meals: Nana Nana Nana!!!

No, I'm not being a snotty kid teasing anyone. Nor am I running around yelling Grandma's name. Ha! I'm talking "nanners", bananas!!! As a kid, I wasn't the biggest banana fan. As an adult, I am. But more than just the fruit itself, I love banana flavored things. Bread, milkshakes, ice cream, candy, cake--I don't care. If it's banana, sign me up, year round, but especially during these hot summer months. Maybe it's b/c it seems tropical to me (same reason why I'm all about coconut May-September). Maybe it's b/c it is so refreshing. Whatever the reason, when I see a recipe involving bananas it always makes me stop and take notice, especially if it is dessert. I saw someone on tv making a banana pudding dessert and though "Mmmmm, that's what I've been craving and didn't even know it". So off to the store I went. Seriously, from the time the tv chef was saying "join me next me" to the time I was in the car was no more than 10 minutes! I love desserts I can make, chill and we can eat from them for days! Anyway, I get to the store and head to the produce aisle to get bananas and there is a display of "Nilla Wafers". Well, isn't someone a total genius! Talk about grocery stores catering to their customers, and/or subliminal messaging. Whichever it was, I was happy b/c it meant less walking for me. So this is what I came up with after looking at a few recipes and pulling a little of this and that from each. This makes a huge portion and we will be enjoying it for days to come. But that is 100% okay w/ this banana lover----after all, I am the mommy to a little monkey:)

Banana Pudding Dessert

1 large box instant vanilla pudding
1 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
2 c. cold milk
16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
4 bananas sliced
1 box Vanilla Wafer cookies

In a large bowl, pour pudding mix. Add milk and whisk until thick. (The directions on the box call for 3 cups, so be sure not to follow them. It will be thicker than normal pudding). Add condensed milk and mix until well combined. Fold in Cool Whip. In a 9x13 pan, layer cookies, pudding, bananas in repeating layers, ending w/ pudding. Top w/ crushed cooking. Chill well before serving.