TROPICAL LAYERED PUDDING

2 packages vanilla pudding mix

3 cups milk

2 regular cans pineapple chunks (drained, saving 1 cup of juice + juice to coat the bananas)

4 bananas, sliced and dipped in the pineapple juice to retain color

1 cup pineapple juice (saved from the pineapple chunks0

1 package vanilla wafers

Prepare pudding as directed using the 3 cups of milk and the 1 cup of pineapple juice as a substitute for the 4th cup of milk. Layer as follows: Vanilla wafers, bananas, pineapple chunks, pudding.

I suggest garnishing the pudding with some vanilla wafers around the edges and/or sprinkling a bit of coconut over the top.

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DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

1 1/2 cups cold milk, divided

2 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
1 pkg (4 servings) chocolate flavored instant pudding and pie filling mix
2 cups thawed frozen whipped topping, divided
1/2 cup fresh raspberries or blueberries

In a large microwave-proof bowl, combine the chocolate with 1 cup of the milk.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes then stir until the chocolate is completely melted.  Stir in the remaining milk.

Add the dry pudding mix and beat with a wire whisk for a couple of minutes or until well blended.  Refrigerate for 20 minutes then gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping.  Spoon mixture into 6 individual dessert dishes.  Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

To serve, divide the remaining whipped topping evenly between the 6 dishes placing a dollop atop each.  Garnish with the fresh berries.

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EASY MEXICAN CORN PUDDING

I large egg

1 pkg (6-oz) Mexican-style cornbread mix

1 cup cream-style corn

1/3 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 425-degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, whisk egg; stir in the cornbread mix, milk and corn until blended. Stir in the cheese. 

Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Yield: 6 to 9 servings

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MOCHA PUDDING

This pudding goes together in minutes. However, it does need to chill for a couple of hours.

1 container (15-oz) fat-free ricotta cheese
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp espresso powder
12 chocolate-covered coffee beans

Combine the ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of the yogurt, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder in a food processor or blender container. Process just until smooth. Divide the pudding evenly into 4 dessert dishes, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

Before serving top each dish of pudding with one tablespoon of the remaining yogurt. Top the yogurt with 3 of the chocolate-covered coffee beans per dish.

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APPLE-RICE PUDDING

 

1 3/4 cups water

1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
1 medium (3/4 cup) Golden Delicious apple, chopped (do not peel)
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
cinnamon for garnish, optional

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan with a lid, bring the water to a boil; add the rice and salt.  Cook, covered, over low heat for 40 to 45 minutes until the water is absorbed.  Stir occasionally during cooking.

Stir in the apple, milk, honey, and cranberries.  Cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes until pudding is slightly thickened and creamy; stirring occasionally.

This pudding is delicious served warm or chilled.

Note:  Cinnamon is optional but remember that cinnamon is a blood sugar stabilizer and should be used regularly in your diet.

Yield: 6 servings of 1/3 cup each.

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EASY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Looking for a light refreshing Summertime dessert? Give this tasty mousse a try.

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tbsps cold water
1/4 cup boiling water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups cold whipping cream
2 tsps vanilla extract
Fresh berries for garnish, if desired
Chocolate shavings for garnish, if desired

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let mixture stand 2 minutes to soften. Add boiling water; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is clear. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl, mix sugar and cocoa. Add whipping cream and vanilla to the mixture. Beat at medium speed, scraping bottom of bowl occasionally, until mixture is stiff. Pour in the gelatin mixture and beat until well blended. Spoon mousse into dessert dishes. Refrigerate about 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh berries and chocolate shavings, if desired, before serving, if desired.

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CARAMEL APPLE BREAD PUDDING

10 slices cinnamon-raisin bread, cubed

1/4 cup butter, melted
3 medium Granny Smith apples, diced
1 cup caramel sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss the bread with the melted butter. In a 9-inch square baking pan that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray, layer half the apples, half the bread mixture, and half the caramel sauce. Repeat the layers. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until the apples are tender and the bread is golden brown.

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MOCHA MOUSSE WITH BERRIES

This is a quick and easy recipe I got a few years ago from a Southern Living magazine, I believe.  It is delicious, goes together quickly, but it does need to chill at least 4 hours.  It can be chilled up to 24 hours making it a great make-ahead dessert.

1 1/3 cups milk
1 pkg (12-oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup brewed espresso
4 tbsp sugar
dash of salt
Sweetened whipped cream for garnish
Fresh berries for garnish

In a heavy, non-aluminum pan cook the milk over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes until tiny bubbles start to form around the edges of the pan.  Immediately remove from the heat; set aside.

In a blender combine the chocolate chips, egg substitute, espresso, sugar, and salt; process on low until smooth, about 20 seconds.

With the blender running on low, add the milk in a slow stream; process until smooth, about a minute.

Pour approximately 1/3 cup of the mixture into each of 12 small dessert glasses; cover and chill 4 to 24 hours.

To serve, top with the whipped cream and fresh berries.

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CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT MOUSSE

1 pkg (4-serving size) chocolate pudding mix

2 cups milk
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Additional frozen whipped topping, thawed for garnish
4 fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish

Prepare the pudding using the milk according to the package directions.  Whisk in the hazelnut spread and refrigerate 15 minutes.

Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture and spoon into 8 small dessert dishes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Before serving top each dish with a dollop of the whipped topping and garnish with a strawberry half.

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