If you are having family and friends over to enjoy time together and to celebrate Labor Day, I have my families two favorite recipes for you to try. It was actually really hard for me to decide which recipes to pick because I love to cook and bake. When I am home, I am always trying new recipes and cooking something for my family.
I remember making this Banana Pudding with my Granny in her kitchen when I was little. She made everything from scratch, she was the best cook! I definitely get the love of cooking (and eating) from my grandmothers. (I think this recipe is the reason my husband married me.)
These recipes are meant to be fun and easy for your family. Don’t stress if you don’t have the exact items, use what you have.
Granny’s Banana Pudding: Serves 12
8 ounces of Cream Cheese
1 Large Vanilla Instant Pudding
2 cups Milk
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tub Cool Whip
Vanilla Wafers or Chessman Cookies
6-7 Bananas
1.) Mix Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk together until fluffy.
I usually put it in my big stand mixer and let it go for probably 1-2 minutes.
2.) Line a 13X9 Pan with Cookies and then cover with sliced Bananas.
If you don’t have a pan, put it in a parfait bowl, or individual plastic cups work too.
3.) In a separate bowl beat 2 cups Milk & the Pudding Mix together.
4.) Combine, the Cream Cheese mixture and the pudding mixture together.
5.) Fold in the Cool Whip.
6.) Pour over Cookies and Sliced Bananas.
Cover and Chill in Refrigerator.
If you have enough Bananas, Pudding, and Cookies you can continue to layer.
-Fun Fact: My husband actually hates bananas. So I make this recipe minus the bananas and it tastes just as good.
If you like a stronger vanilla flavor, you can try 2 small French Vanilla Instant Puddings, instead of the Large Regular Vanilla Pudding.
Another tip, I like to use Homemade Vanilla Wafers that you can find at HEB in the cookie aisle.
The Cream Cheese mixture (Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk) is a really good Fruit Dip if you don’t have time for the other steps.
The next recipe is a go-to when we have family over. It is quick and easy to make for a crowd. If you ask my husband or little brother what they want, I can guarantee they will ask for Corn Casserole.
Corn Casserole: Bake 350, 45 minutes
1 Can Whole Corn
1 Can Cream Style Corn
1 Box Corn Muffin Mix (8 oz.)
1 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Stick Melted Butter
1.) Melt the Butter
2.) Dump ingredients into a bowl, Add melted Butter and stir
3.) Pour batter into 9X13 Pan
4.) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 Minutes
I said it was quick and easy!
Sometimes I like to change it up and beat an egg white and fold into the batter. It gives it a souffle type texture.
Or you can add cheese to the batter too. Cheese always makes things taste great!
Famous Hancock Chocolate Chip Recipe:
Funny story about these cookies. We ordered mini cookies and gave away this recipe at our wedding, people love it that much.
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter-softened
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
2 cups chocolate chips (cheap brand)
Beat together butter and sugars. Add Vanilla & Egg, mix again. Add dry ingredients. Add Chocolate Chips. I think the cheaper the better in this recipe but use what you have. I like to add Semi-Sweet and Dark. Mini Chips are fun too.
Bake in a preheated oven at 370 Degrees for 8-10 minutes, depending on how hot your oven gets. To make it easy for uniformed size cookies, use a cookie scoop, ice cream scoop, two spoons, fingers it will all work.
I hope these recipes truly gave you the gift of time and you enjoy your time with your family!