Banana Pudding

This week has been full of sad, devastating, and difficult news. With the disaster of unfathomable proportions in Japan and the Libyans struggle for freedom, it's easy to feel upset or overwhelmed with emotion every time I turn on the television or glance at a newspaper. When I see the footage of Japan, I just get sick to my stomach. I feel helpless as an observer.

There are certainly ways to help or get involved; a donation to the Red Cross can aid a wounded nation. The simple act of sending out thoughts of hope and support can comfort others in the smallest (and biggest) of ways.

Though, for me, sometimes it just doesn't seem enough.

I admit I feel guilty when I see disaster or people struggling. I have so much (maybe too much?) while others have so very little. I have a roof above my head and solid ground beneath my feet. I can communicate through the telephone and internet; the news informs me of what has been and what is to come. I don't have the threat of radiation poisoning looming over me. I know where my loved ones are.

Today my biggest concern was what to make for dinner. It seems petty in comparison to the plight of others and, though it may be true, is that a fair comparison for me to make? I asked myself this question today. I don't believe it is. I could make this comparison every day of my life and there will always be someone who is struggling more than I am. There will always be someone who has less than I do. There will always be someone suffering more than I ever will. Feeling guilt for having more isn't the answer. Neither is feeling unworthy of what I do have. So what am I supposed to do?

I sincerely believe the solution can be found in appreciation. Appreciation for what you have and the good in your life. Appreciation for the troubles that do not plague you. Loss and devastation on the scale that Japan is feeling can seem like far off nightmares—too far to be recognizable; too far to be reality. Appreciation and sympathy for those who are suffering is the only way you can even begin to try to understand. You may not ever truly understand (and you won't unless you have personally experienced it), but it's a place to start. When was the last time you considered the washing machine or stove top a luxury instead of a necessity? When did you last sit quietly and truly feel grateful for the people in your life?

Do what you can to help those in need, in whichever way you are capable, but then help yourself. Acknowledge your blessings. Be grateful for everything good and bad in your life—without the contrast both are meaningless. Though today may hold peace and calm, tomorrow may bring new strife or tragedy. Appreciate your today.

This banana pudding is soft and full of banana flavor. It has a smooth texture that comforts the taste buds. The chocolate shavings make this simple pudding something special. Today I am appreciative that I can sit in the calm of my home, enjoy the sunshine of an early spring day, and eat this banana pudding in peace. That's just enough for me—I don't need anything more.

Banana Pudding

Yields 4 servings

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups milk (I used 2%)
2 large eggs
2 small (or 1 large) ripe bananas, pureed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Chocolate shavings (optional)

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Over medium heat, cook the mixture until it is thick and bubbly, stirring constantly. Turn heat down to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes; keep stirring.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs. Pour a small amount of the milk mixture into the eggs and stir quickly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk together.

Bring the pudding to a gentle boil over medium. Once it starts boiling, cook for one minute longer. Remove from the heat and pour into a tupperware container. Stir in butter, vanilla, and banana puree.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (and up to 2 days) before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Comments

[Maya Marie]

I've had a pretty stressful day and this post just made me feel sooooooo much better, plus with the addition of the tasty photos I feel really good :)

[Krissy @ Make It Naked]

Beautifully written post. Thank you.

[Medeja]

I love bananas and this looks like a very delicious thing.. Im saving it

[Tanvi]

This looks awesome.I love anything banana.Would try this out soon.

[Sanjeeta kk]

So simple and creamy! Never thought of making pudding with the Bananas...might have to think of substituting the eggs to suit my taste. Lovely and wonderful recipe. Glad that I came here from Twitter.

[Joyti]

I was thinking of the situation in Japan today...and then I thought of - in general - children in third world countries - who haven't lost their toys or solid house, or access to clean water - because they never had these things in the first place. And it just gets so overwhelming, to think of all the suffering in the world.
And you are absolutely correct, we should appreciate everything that we here in the developed nations have.
This banana pudding looks like a great way to celebrate, to appreciate...

[Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen]

Another great post! ♥- Katrina

[Kathy Diaz (found baking)]

We are truly lucky indeed. Sometimes we forget to appreciate the little things that make our lives so wonderful. Thank you for the inspirational post. Love the banana pudding and I dig the jars as your presentation.

[Jess]

I've been thinking the same things lately. Why is it fair that I have so much, while others can have so little? It just doesn't feel fair... Sometimes I feel like we need to give something more to others, I want to give more than just money. Thanks for making me think,
Love the banana pudding!

[SugarFoot Designs]

Very nicely put. I too often struggle with this concept of "checking" myself when I start to worry about things that seem so unimportant when compared to what has been happening in the world lately. I also LOVE banana pudding! New follower here :)

[Meg Beachler]

Oh my goodness... I just ate a little bowl of heaven... light and creamy and so bananalicious!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!

Meg

[Anita]

I just found this recipe via Pinterest! Looks fantastic! My father-in-law is diabetic, but LOVES banana pudding. Do you think I could use splenda in place of the sugar?

[Kristin Rosenau]

Anita--Absolutely! Using sugar replacements is a great option when you're watching sugar levels.

[Annie]

I'm definitely making this tomorrow! I would today, but it's getting pretty late and I'm sure I'd rather not wake the family. Some kind of flu is going around.

And yeah, appreciation is a great lesson to learn. Sometimes I have to remind myself to stop and count my blessings, especially during finals week!

[Debitnm]

Just made this and it is excellent. I needed to use up some very very ripe bananas and this was perfect. So easy, I may never make puddings from a box again! Thanks.

[Susan]

I made this last night. Very yummy. I did add small banana chunks at the end. I did find it to be a little on the runny side. Maybe I didn't cook it long enough.

[Sara]

This recipe was right on the mark. Thank you for posting a delightful banana pudding recipe that doesn't involve processed vanilla wafers and sets up perfectly!

[Andrea]

After having this recipe saved for quite some time now, I finally made it yesterday! And let me tell you, it is AWESOME! I especially like dunking graham crackers in it :) I'll be saving this and coming back to it again and again, I'm sure! Thanks for the recipe :)

[Mary Dailey]

Vanilla wafers would be so good dunked in this too! I love to make my own pudding and I'm trying this! Thank you!

[Mary]

I'm making this now. I made 1 batch. Wanted more so I'm doubling it a d making another batch! Thanks for recipe. I'm not a cook. But look at me now! It's -40 C out there but it's nice n warm in here!

[Deb]

The recipe looks sooo good...but I just had to say, what a beautiful soul you have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gauri]

This was exquisite, tried it today and can't believe how yummy such an easy recipe could be! Thanks for sharing