In a heartwarming tale from Montpelier, Virginia, Stephanie Harris shares the touching reunion with her son, Lance Cpl. Eric Harris, after more than two years of being apart due to his enlistment in the Marines. The emotional airport meeting led to a comforting homecoming filled with the taste of a true Southern favorite – Stephanie’s banana pudding. This delicious dessert, cherished by her son, holds a special place in their hearts and has become a symbol of comfort and love.
INGREDIENTS:
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups 2% milk
- 3 eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 58 vanilla wafers, divided
- 4 large ripe bananas, cut into ¼-inch slices
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large saucepan, mix sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk eggs and add a small amount of hot mixture into the eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool for 15 minutes.
- In an 8-inch square baking dish, create layers by arranging 25 vanilla wafers, half of the banana slices, and half of the pudding. Repeat the layers.
- Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Just before serving, crush the remaining wafers and sprinkle them over the top.
YIELD: 9 servings
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
CHILLING TIME: At least 4 hours
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure to whisk the small amount of hot mixture into the eggs to temper them before adding them back to the pan to avoid scrambling.
TIPS:
- For the best results, use ripe and flavorful bananas to enhance the taste of the pudding.
Stephanie Harris’s heartwarming story from Montpelier, Virginia, encapsulates the emotions of a mother’s reunion with her son, Lance Cpl. Eric Harris, after his time serving in the Marines. Amid tears of joy, Stephanie welcomed her son home with a comforting treat – her famous banana pudding. This cherished Southern dessert holds a special place in their hearts and has become a symbol of love and homecoming.
The recipe for Stephanie’s Banana Pudding is simple yet rich in flavor. The combination of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers creates a delightful and satisfying dessert that has become a favorite for her son and the entire family.
Stephanie’s lovingly prepared pudding begins with a creamy vanilla base, thickened to perfection with a mixture of sugar, flour, and milk. The addition of eggs and vanilla extract lends a velvety smoothness to the pudding. Layered with vanilla wafers and slices of ripe bananas, each spoonful becomes a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
As the banana pudding chills and sets in the refrigerator, it becomes a sweet anticipation of the homecoming celebration. The sight of the assembled pudding, with its layers of wafers and bananas, evokes memories of love, family, and tradition.
The delightful Banana Pudding has not only become a beloved treat for Eric but also for the entire community. Stephanie, who cooks at a local nursing home, brings joy to residents and visitors alike with her cherished recipe.
This heartwarming story of a mother’s love and a son’s homecoming is a reminder of the profound impact that food can have on our lives. The simple act of sharing a favorite dessert can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging. Stephanie’s Banana Pudding is a testament to the power of food to create lasting memories and connect people in meaningful ways.
