Everyday Etiquette

Etiquette. 

Oh my, was that a gasp I heard? No need to fret. Plain and simple – etiquette is a behavior code exemplifying kindness, respect and honesty. It goes beyond knowing what fork to use at the dinner table. Whether it’s a firm handshake, thoughtful thank-you note or sending a reply card for a wedding invitation (yes, you should always reply), it is the genuine and good-hearted intentions at the core that matter most. So, basically, if you love Jesus and are walking with Him daily (John 13:34-25; 1 Peter 4:9), displaying everyday etiquette can be a piece of cake.

And, speaking of cake... if you are at a dinner party, business luncheon or wedding reception and your place setting [plates, stemware (glasses) and flatware (forks, knives, spoons)] includes a fork or spoon above the plate, then GET EXCITED. Dessert will be served!

Want to surprise your guests with dessert flatware at your next dinner party? I want to share a recipe to a for-sure crowd pleaser that will make you want to shout, “Glory!” (Unless you have a peanut, dairy or gluten allergy, in which case, I am so very sorry.) This Alabama (I know, don’t judge… GO VOLS!) Banana Pudding is best served with a dessert spoon. Here goes:

Alabama Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 small box instant vanilla pudding - (I use the sugar free/fat free version)

2 c milk

8 oz Cool Whip

5-6 bananas

1 package Nutter Butter cookies OR 2 packages (8 oz. each) of Nutter Butter Bites

8 oz. Cool Whip, for topping

Directions:

1. Using a mixer, mix softened cream cheese with hand mixer. (I love my KitchenAid, and it works with a stand mixer or hand mixer. And always mix cream cheese first so there are no lumps in your pudding mixture. No one likes lumpy banana pudding.) 

2. When the cream cheese is nice and smooth, add sweetened condensed milk and mix well. 

3. Next, add your vanilla pudding and mix. 

4. Then slowly add in 2 cups of milk. (I recommend turning your mixer down to low while adding milk.)

5. Beat on medium to high speed for about two minutes. Fold in one of the 8 oz. packages of Cool Whip. (I love to use my Pampered Chef rubber spatula for folding in the cool whip.) Set pudding mixture aside.

6. Next, break the Nutter Butter cookies into thirds. (No need for breaking into pieces if you are using the Nutter Butter Bites.)

7. In a trifle bowl, layer bottom of container with one layer of Nutter Butter cookies. Next, add a layer of sliced bananas. Then, add pudding mixture on top of sliced bananas. Repeat by layering with Nutter Butter cookies, sliced bananas and pudding mixture, one on top of the other. 

8. Top it off with the other 8 oz. of Cool Whip. Refrigerate for 2 hours. I love to serve it along with a good cup of pipin’ hot coffee.

Want to personalize your dessert? Serve individual desserts in mini mason jars. Attach Psalm 119:103 to your mason jar. (Use a round label on the lid or print on cardstock with a single hole punch, tying it around the mason jar with twine.)

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

For the love of everyday etiquette,

Brittiany