Expert: Teri Davis Newman - 8/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I would like to know how much banana pudding per person I should figure for a crowd of a 100. Also a recipe suggestion for that size crowd would be helpful. I am making it on a pretty small budget, but would like it to be better than average. Thanks

ANSWER: I've got the best banana pudding recipe in the world.  It's not the cheapest recipe but it's easy and fabulous. You'll need 4-5 batches of it, but it is to die for. Here's the recipe:
2 BAGS PEPPERIDGE FARM CHESSMAN COOKIES
6- 8 BANANAS SLICED (I PROBABLY USE MORE BECAUSE WE LIKE BANANAS)
2 CUPS MILK
2 3 OZ EACH BOX INSTANT FRENCH VANILLA PUDDING (sugar free will work too)
1 8 OZ CREAM CHEESE SOFTENED
1 14 OZ CAN SWEET COND MILK
1 12 OZ COOL WHIP


LINE THE BOTTOM OF A 13X9X2 PAN WITH 1 BAG OF COOKIES AND LAYER BANANAS ON TOP
IN A BOWL COMBINE THE MILK AND PUDDING MIX AND BLEND WELL USING A MIXER.  USING ANOTHER BOWL, COMBINE THE CREAM CHEESE AND SWEET COND MILK UNTIL SMOOTH.  FOLD THE WHIP CREAM INTO THE CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE.  ADD THE CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE INTO THE PUDDING, STIR UNTIL WELL BLENDED.  POUR THE MIXTURE OVER THE COOKIES AND BANANAS AND COVER WITH REMAINING COOKIES.  REFRIGERATE UNTIL READY TO SERVE.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am familiar with this recipe (I believe it's a variation that Paula Dean also has). One variation I was thinking of to save time and money is to use pre-made vanilla pudding (bought in bulk). If I used pre-made pudding what variations would have to be made? Would I need either the condensed or regular milk? Also if used I would probably just go with vanilla wafers, as Chessmen are a bit expensive.

Answer
One of my friends brought the pudding to my annual kickoff party and it was simply the best pudding I've ever had--and I LOVE banana pudding. She shared the recipe with me but I didn't know the source of it, so I'll take your word for it about Paula Dean's connection!
I don't really know how you'd make it with the canned pudding as I wouldn't serve canned pudding to a dog let alone my friends and I don't see as how it could be that much cheaper. I don't think it would matter if you used vanilla wafers--I agree that Chessmen are expensive!!