A Dessert for Dad

Today is my father's birthday. If he was still with us he would be 98 years young today. Wow - hard to believe. I was only 39 when he died, too young to lose such a wonderful father.
Dad loved desserts. Truth be told, he loved to eat, period. But he did enjoy desserts, and it was a family tradition to make homemade ice cream on his birthday. I'm not making ice cream today but I do have a great dessert recipe for you! It's one of my favourite go-to recipes when I have to take a dessert somewhere, or when company is coming. Or just for us! :) It's quick and easy to make and you likely have most of the ingredients right in your cupboard. I know Dad would approve of this one!

Pistachio Dessert

Base:
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1 cup chopped pecans

Blend together well. Spread in 9"x13" pan. I flatten it with my hands or the back of a spoon - a smooth surface makes spreading the next layer easier.  Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Cool.

Layer 2:
Cream together 1 8oz. package cream cheese with 1 cup icing sugar. Spread over cooled base.

Layer 3:
Mix 2 packages pistachio instant pudding mix with 2 1/2 cups milk. Beat together. Spread over cream cheese layer.

Layer 4:
Beat 1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream until stiff. Add a little sugar and vanilla. Spread over pudding layer. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls. Refrigerate.

Note - I'm sure this would be equally good with other flavours of pudding too- chocolate, butterscotch, whatever your pleasure...  :)  Try it and let me know how you liked it!

Peace,
Linda

"People who love to eat are always the best people." ~ Julia Child