January Inspirations

Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

Cut half of 1 small banana into slices; keep other half in the peel and save for another use. Layer 1 (5-oz.) glass with 1 Tbsp. thawed nondairy whipped topping, one-fourth of banana slices, 1 Tbsp. prepared vanilla pudding, another fourth of banana slices, and 1 vanilla wafer. Repeat. Dollop with 1 Tbsp. thawed nondairy whipped topping.

Makes 1 serving. Prep: 10 min. 

•  If you're serving a crowd, simply prepare the recipe as many times as needed.
•  For testing purposes only, we used Hunt's Snack Pack Vanilla Pudding. One (3.5-oz.) pudding cup yields 6 Tbsp. pudding. 

Brighten With Berries

The holidays may be over, but berries can still provide a pop of welcome color in your home. Our top choice for this month is the yellow berry of the 'D'Or' Chinese holly (also called 'D'Or' Burford holly). If you don't have access to a 'D'Or holly plant, your local nursery should be able to order one. Or simply use colorful berries from a plant that's readily available. First, fill a clear glass vase with the loose fruit, tuck in a few berry-laden branches, and then add water. The look is sure to lift your spirits.

One Sensational Citrus

Give your taste buds a treat: Order some honeybells. They are equally great as fresh-squeezed juice or when eaten out of the hand. But act quickly! This cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit is only available from now until early February. The staff member who put us on to these healthful gems orders his from Hale Indian River Groves in Florida (1-800-289-4253). Additional sources can be found online; just search "honeybell oranges." Be aware, though, that some growers are unable to ship the fruit to Texas and Louisiana.

"January Inspirations" is from the January 2008 issue of Southern Living.