INGREDIENTS :
10 snack packs (1 oz. each bag) mini Nilla Wafers
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (125g) granulated sugar, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk or 1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-4 firm, ripe bananas
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/4 cups (280g) heavy whipping cream
10 maraschino cherries
10 disposable Birchware spoons
DIRECTIONS :
Open each snack pack and pour half the contents of each bag into a large bowl. Stand the bags upright in a baking dish leaning against each other.
Open each snack pack and pour half the contents of each bag into a large bowl. Stand the bags upright in a baking dish leaning against each other.
Place 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch and milk into a medium saucepan and whisk until combined. Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble, whisking constantly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually pour the eggs into the pan in a thin stream (tempering them) while whisking vigorously. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until thick and smooth, again whisking constantly.
When the mixture is thick, remove from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and well-incorporated. Pour the pudding in a separate bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
Chop the bananas into rounds and toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice until all of the bananas are covered. This will prevent them from browning.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream on high speed until it starts to thicken. Gradually add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fancy decorator tip, if desired. Otherwise just have a spoon ready for dolloping.
