PEANUT BUTTER PUDDING

I set out to "invent" a great and unique "kid pudding". I collected all of the pudding recipes from my recipe box and started combining and tweaking them .... I wanted the richness from this one ...the consistency from that one ...the sweetness from yet another one... and went to work with my picky-picky husband as my Guinea pig taste tester. After several tries, old picky-picky gave me that "pudding face smile" and two thumbs up.  He says THIS one is a keeper!!

Whether you want plain peanut butter pudding, or peanut butter pudding with bananas, or even peanut butter pudding with chocolate, it's all good.  

This pudding is rich, creamy, peanut butter-y 
and oh so easy to make!!

2/3 cup dark brown sugar

2 level tablespoons of corn starch

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups whole milk (I've used 2% in a pinch)

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan that has a heavy bottom, whisk together the brown sugar, corn starch and salt. This step helps the cornstarch from clumping-lumping when you add the liquid.

After the sugar, cornstarch and salt are whisked together, slowly add the milk and cream. Stir to make sure everything is mixed well.

Bring to a boil, over medium high heat, stirring constantly. When this mixture gets nice and thick, add the peanut butter and whisk until it is totally melted and pudding just starts to boil again, (takes about 30 more seconds). Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, mix well.

Note: If you want a SILKY SMOOTH mouth feel, put this pudding through a strainer after it's done and still hot.  This isn't necessary, but it REALLY makes a wonderful difference.

Pour into a pretty serving dish (or individual dishes) and lay plastic wrap directly on top of the hot pudding (make sure the plastic is actually touching the pudding) so a "skin" doesn't form on the pudding as it cools.  Chill for 2-3 hours or overnight.

What a great recipe for ANY
kids birthday party!!

ENJOY !!!