a random craving

For some completely inexplicable reason, I recently recalled a dessert from my childhood. Once the memory had re-emerged, I couldn't escape it and began craving this particular dish like no other. Has this ever happened to you, or am I even more peculiar than I thought?


Maybe you shouldn't answer that...

Back home, we have a fellowship meal after church every third Sunday. Our congregation is composed of extraordinarily talented home cooks, so the food is always delicious. I, for one, always eagerly anticipated the meal and often got squirmy during the sermon.

The dessert in question was one that was brought in by my aunt, one of the best cooks in the congregation. My initial memory of it was that it was frozen, involved coconut, and had a crumb crust. After quizzing the Mambino and my cousin (also a fabulous cook), I was finally able to recreate the dessert for myself.


(melting has commenced--time to eat)
(you know how I like my drip shots...)

And yes, it was everything I remembered and more. Creamy, coconutty, cold, and crunchy. It was easier than anything to put together--the hardest part was waiting for it to set up in the freezer.

Cold and Creamy Coconut Concoction

2 1/2 cups graham or Ritz cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
1 1/2 cup milk
2 (3 1/2 ounce) packages instant coconut cream pudding mix
8 oz Cool Whip (oops)
1 cup angel flake coconut, toasted

Mix crackers and butter and press into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ice cream, milk, and pudding mixes and stir well. Pour mixture over the crust. Top with Cool Whip (if you have a brain and remembered to buy some) and any additional crushed crackers and/or toasted coconut. Put the dish in the freezer for at least an hour. Set out 10-15 minutes before serving.