Banana Split Pie

Hey ladies, where are you? I know, I know, I'm just as bad and haven't added anything to our blog either! You would think with so many of us contributing that we'd be able to add something daily. Ah well, the busy lives we lead.

I came across this old recipe and thought it would be a perfect submission. If you're a sweet lovin' person, this is dynamite in a piecrust.

Banana Split Pie

2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 stick margarine, melted
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 - 5 bananas
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. bottled lemon juice
1 (#2) can crushed pineapple, drained
Cool Whip (12 oz.)
1 c. pecans, chopped
Flaked coconut (frozen or in the bag)
1 qt. strawberries
Sugar to sweeten strawberries

Combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 stick melted margarine and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix and press into bottom of a large 12 x 14 inch casserole. (You can buy a couple of graham cracker piecrusts if you prefer)

Slice bananas onto crust.

Mix quickly condensed milk and lemon juice. Pour over bananas (lemon juice keeps banana from turning brown). Layer crushed pineapple on top of banana / milk mix. Add a layer of Cool Whip - be sure not to use it all. Add a layer of pecans (or other nuts if you prefer). Sprinkle coconut over top to taste. Cover and place in refrigerator.

Just prior to serving clean and hull strawberries. Crush and add sugar to taste. You can also use the frozen already prepared strawberries if you prefer to crust out this step. However, there' s nothing like fresh strawberries! Add to top of pie along with remaining Cool Whip and more nuts if you'd like.

This will keep in the refrigerator for a few days but it's best on the day you make it!

Now, for some variations!

Substitute ice cream for the layer of Cool Whip! Put a layer of ice cream, then the bananas, then the pineapple, and then more ice cream. Add a layer of Hershey's chocolate sauce on top of the ice cream layers and drizzle more on top of the concoction.

Some members of my family have an aversion to nuts so we always leave them off.

This is a recipe you can have FUN with! Get the kids involved in putting on the layers. Take a trip to the grocery store and let them pick out what they'd like on it.

It's definitely not good for the hips, but it is good for the soul. Use fresh fruit and tell yourself you're eating your daily fruit allowance!

For those who DO want to cut back some Cool Whip now makes some sugar free and fat free versions. Also, you can sweeten your fruit with Splenda or your no-calorie sweetener of choice. You can also find pineapple in a can now that is fruit juice sweetened or Splenda sweetened so you have options there, too.