Recipe: Max & Erma's Go Bananas! Cream Pie

MAX AND ERMA'S GO BANANAS! CREAM PIE

6 individual vanilla wafer pie crusts (recipe)
FOR THE FILLING:
1 (12 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups half and half
2 cups heavy (whipping) cream
3 Bananas, sliced 1/4 inch thick*
TO SERVE:
1 can aerosol whipped cream
1 bottle chocolate syrup
additional fresh banana slices (for garnish)

TO PREPARE THE VANILLA WAFER CRUSTS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Using a fork, prick a few holes in the bottom of each vanilla wafer crust. Bake crusts in a 350 degree oven for 3 minutes until slightly brown and crisp. Cool crusts completely.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:
Place half and half and whipping cream in a mixing bowl. Add vanilla pudding. Mix on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure ingredients get mixed smoothly and completely. Whip on medium speed for 2 minutes and then on high speed for 2 minutes.

TO MAKE THE PIES:
Spoon approximately 1 1/2 ounces of pudding mixture into cooled baked crust. Layer with 4 banana slices.

Spoon approximately 2 1/2 ounces of pudding mixture over banana slices. Layer with 4 additional banana slices.

Spoon approximately 2 1/2 ounces of pudding on top of bananas. Fill crusts out to the sides, mounding the pudding in the middle. Smooth the top of the pie with a spoon.

Cover each pie top with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1/2 hour before serving.

TO SERVE:
Remove pie from aluminum pie plate and carefully place in center of dessert plate. Cover the top of pie with a mound of aerosol whipped cream. Drizzle with a small amount of chocolate syrup around the pie. Top with a fresh banana slices. Serve immediately.

*Cut bananas directly onto pies as they will brown quickly. Bananas should be just yellow and firm, not over ripe or brown.

From: Max and Erma's Restaurant
Adapted from source: WVEC, Norfalk, VA; Tuesday, January 22, 2002