UPTOWN BANANA PUDDING

Does this look yummy or what? Down here in the South, we love banana pudding! After seeing this recipe for Banana Cheesecake, I almost drooled! Of course I had to try it and I don't think I've ever eaten anything as good! It is DELICIOUS! Of course mine didn't turn out quite as pretty as the one here in the picture, but it was darn close and everyone loved it! This is the perfect dessert for your Easter feast. It's rather easy to make and even the kids love it! If you like banana's or cheesecake (and who doesn't), than you must try this! You will be amazed at how fast it is gobbled up!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 large, ripe banana's, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 (8oz. pkgs.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon coffe liqueur
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Meringue

Preparation:

Combine first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Press evenly into bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Combine diced bananas and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small saucepan. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Place over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute or just until sugar has melted. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer 3 minutes or until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, beating until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Beat in coffee liqueur and vanilla. Pour into prepared vanilla wafer crust. Spoon tablespoons of banana mixture evenly over top, and swirl gently into cream cheese mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 45 minutes or until center is almost set.

Drop spoonfuls of Meringue gently and evenly over hot filling. (recipe below)

Bake at 400 degreesfor 10 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Remove from oven, and gently run a knife around the edge of cheesecake in pan to loosen. Cool cheesecake completely on a wire rack. Cover loosely and chill for 8 hours. Release and remove side from pan to serve. Makes approx. 10 - 12 servings. YUM!!

Meringue

3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons sugar

Beat egg whites and salt at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until soft peaks form and sugar dissolves (about 1 - 2 minutes).

Enjoy!!

Erin