BANANA SPLIT PUDDING

3 bananas
lemon juice
1 large (6 oz) pkg vanilla pudding mix (not instant)
milk
2 tsp extra pure vanilla flavoring
1 box vanilla wafers, finely crushed
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, very well drained
16 maraschino cherries, no stems, well drained
1 large container Extra Creamy Cool Whip Topping, thawed

Slice bananas lengthwise, then chop into small pieces. Stir a small amount of lemon juice into chopped bananas to retain color; set aside.

Cook pudding with milk as directed on package. When cooking is complete, add vanilla flavoring for added flavor. Cool slightly.

Stir in bananas (be sure bananas are not very wet with lemon juice - use paper towel to drain them on if necessary.)

Line bottom of and 8x8-inch Pyrex baking dish* with crushed vanilla wafers. Carefully pour the pudding mixture over this layer.

Sprinkle nuts on top of pudding. Spread pineapple over the nuts. Makes rows of cherries on top of the pineapple. Spoon the Cool Whip over top to complete. Refrigerate until completely chilled.

Dip into serving dishes and enjoy.

*May be made in individual serving dishes if desired.

Servings: 4-6