Preachin' and Joe Pundt's Banana Puddin'

In our family owned pharmacy all customers are appreciated. However, we particularly enjoy the ones who hang around to talk and joke with us after their business is done. One such "character" is Mr. Joe Pundt or "Joe Punch" as hubby calls him. We especially appreciated Mr. Joe the day he walked in with a large pan of banana pudding. We dove into that pudding faster than ducks take to water!     Mr. Joe never forgets anything so we know better than to let him "get anything on us" or we will be mercilessly teased about it. One such time was right after we took in a homeless puppy. By no stretch of the imagination was Prissy a cute puppy. We don't know how it happened but she had lost one of her eyes and would have died but for the Good Samaritan who rescued her. Despite her looks, we quickly came to love her.     Mr. Joe knew about Prissy and mentioned that he was looking for a pet. Thinking I would tease him a little I said I knew he really wanted Prissy but he couldn't have her. Without batting an eye, Mr. Joe responded that he wanted a dog with TWO eyes! I had no comeback for that and I still don't when he occasionally reminds me of it.     What does this have to do with preachin'? Our church had a guest speaker last Sunday,and to be hospitable, we planned to have a covered dish meal after the service. Have you ever been to a church dinner and not had banana pudding? I mean, some things are just understood. This time I was the bearer of the banana puddin'!     While I am a fan of the traditional banana pudding, I am not averse to variations on a theme. This recipe is quick, easy, and totally satisfying when you have a craving flung on you. You can trim off calories by using sugar-free pudding, and reduced fat sour cream, condensed milk, whipped topping, and vanilla wafers.       Joe Pundt's Banana Pudding 1 5oz pkg. instant vanilla pudding 2 cups milk 1 8oz. sour cream 1 14oz condensed milk 2 8oz whipped topping, thawed 6 to 7 bananas, sliced Vanilla wafers In a large bowl, mix sour cream and condensed milk. Add the 2 cups milk and pudding, beating well with an electric mixer or whisk until mixture is blended and is thickened. Fold in 1 of the 8oz. whipped toppings, a small amount at a time until incorporated. Spread a thin layer of pudding mixture in the bottom of a 13x9 dish. Top with a layer of vanilla wafers then a layer of bananas. On top of bananas, evenly spread half of the remaining pudding. Repeat with another layer of vanilla wafers, bananas and finishing with rest of pudding. Refrigerate until set. Top with remaining whipped topping before serving. Serve with a mischievous smile and a twinkle in your eye the way Mr. Joe would do it!     Happy cooking! Nan