Celebration Monday

Well, since I failed epically at my "post-more-often daily-topic" blogging last week, I'll just pick up right where I left off. Monday means menus (or recipe, for that matter) and because I'm celebrating 26 years of me today, I thought I'd post one of my favorite dessert recipes. But let's face it, I am a self-diagnosed sugar addict, so I can't pick a true favorite. I might have the sweetest tooth known to man; if something that contains sugar is within 20 yards of me, I can't help but eat it. I've tried the whole "don't buy sweets" thing in an attempt to curb my habit, but it doesn't work. The only way that would ever happen is if Brad began doing the grocery shopping, and hello! Not happening, because that would mean relinquishing that small piece of control I have. Ahem, back to the reason we're here. Favorite (two) recipes for desserts:

BLUE-NANA PIE (yields two pies)
[Background]: I was introduced to this pie the very first time I went to Brad's parents house in north Texas. Apparently, it was a favorite of Brad's and as soon as I sunk my teeth into it, it became a favorite of mine as well. I [try to] make it every year for his birthday.

3-4 bananas, thinly sliced
1 can blueberry pie filling
2 premade pie crusts
1 8-oz package cream cheese
1 c sugar
2 packets Dream Whip
1 c milk
1 tsp vanilla

1. Bake pie crusts according to package directions for un-filled pie and allow to cool.
2. Beat cream cheese until fluffy, adding sugar slowly while beating
3. Prepare Dream Whip according to package directions using milk and vanilla
4. Line pie crusts with banana slices
5. Dollop pie filling over bananas (1/2 can per pie)
6. Fold together cream cheese and whipped topping
7. Spread 1/2 of creamy mixture over each pie.
8. Chill before serving.


LEMON PUDDING CAKE
[Background: my Grandmother Grace didn't do much cooking, but this recipe was passed from her to my dad and I jotted it down during a visit home while in college. I'm not really sure if she ever cooked it herself, but I like to think she did.]

3 eggs, separated
2 T margarine (or butter -- whatever fancies you)
1 1/4 c milk
1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest (optional, but worth it)

1. Mix egg yolks, melted margarine, milk, sugar, flour, salt and lemon juice in large bowl
2. Beat egg whites until thick and frothy.
3. Fold egg whites into lemon mixture
4. Pour combined mixture into 1 quart casserole dish
5. Place dish in deep baking dish/pan
6. Fill baking pan with 1 inch of water
7. Bake 45 minutes @ 375 or until dark brown on top

I haven't made this in a very long time, so I think this might be my birthday dessert!

Enjoy!