Banana Pudding

what is it about fruit in dessert that makes it seem and feel healthier for you? i know that it isn't, but somehow i feel a little less guilty enjoying every last bite. my sister-in-law made this on easter and it was so yummy. i made it for the 1st time tonight for a neighborhood bbq and loved how simple and easy it was. this definitely is a keeper.

1 box nilla wafer cookies
6 ripe bananas, sliced
1 large box instant vanilla jello pudding
3 cups cold milk
1 regular tub cool whip

in 9x13 casserole dish, layer- nilla wafers, bananas, vanilla pudding (blend pudding mix with milk for 2 minutes), cool whip, and then crush a few remaining nilla wafers on top of cool whip. cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate for 30 minutes and SERVE.

South African Potato & Ground Beef Curry

{UPDATE: I finally got around to making this, and it was divine! Loved it.}
This is a recipe I would have never found and tried on my own. I am not a curry fan, or at least I thought I wasn't since I basically dry heave when I walk past an Indian Restaurant. But recently we had a Primary Activity where we explored missions around the globe. Sister Laurel Nicolaysen from our ward was one of our missionaries, representing South Africa. She had brought this dish for the children to try. It not only smelled wonderful, unlike Indian food, it tasted wonderful also. I don't have a couple of the ingredients on hand, but I can't wait to get them and try this out on my own.

1 lb ground beef
2 medium sized onions, chopped
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper, to taste
1-2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon apricot jam
1/3 cup vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 8oz can tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup water
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1.5 cups carrots
1 cup peas

Directions:
1. Brown meat and onions in oil.
2. Stir in salt, pepper, curry powder, and turmeric and cook for about 3 minutes
3. Add jam, vinegar, sugar, tomato and water and simmer for 1 hour
4. Add potatoes and carrots and cook 30 minutes
5. Add frozen peas and warm through.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve with rice and Mrs. Balls Peach Chutney.

NOTE: She didn't serve according to #6 - she served over an open roll that was called something but I can't remember? It was basically a roll.

Meat Loaf

I found this recipe on All Recipes. It had 4.5/5 stars with over 4,000 votes. This was my first time making meat loaf, and although I have to admit it has to be something I am in the mood for, it turned out good. Even Jared who was swearing that he wouldn't even try it came around when it had the house smelling so good. And yes, he did try it and actually liked it.

1.5 lbs ground beef
1/2 c milk
2 eggs
1/2 packet onion soup mix
1.5 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/4 t ginger
3/4 c crushed saltine cracker crumbs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup

Combine all ingredients (except last two) until well combined and shape into loaf. Bake in loaf pan at 350 for 1 hour or until juices run clear. Combine last two ingredients and put on top and bake for additional 15 minutes.