It was a chance meeting that lead to love. HEB had an endcap display that caught my eye: “Voted Texas Best” Homemade Vanilla Wafers. So, into my cart they went – if they are voted Texas best, then they must be good, right? True confession – I opened the bag on my way home – light, crispy, and full of vanilla flavor – you can’t stop at just one.

The Wilson family has been making this cookie along with many other confections at their bakery in Slaton, Texas for three generations. In fact, the grandparents met at the bakery and it’s their photo on the package. Dubbed one of the oldest bakeries in Texas – founded in 1923, the Wilson legacy began in 1943.

The Slaton Bakery holds a place in history as introducing sliced hamburger and hotdog buns to the state of Texas. Another point of pride for the bakery is making 50th anniversary cakes for the same couples that they made their wedding cake.

Slaton, Texas is located in the South Plains – close to Lubbock. Hence, the other cookie they sell: “Texas Tech Wreck Ems”. You can order from them, but if you live close to an HEB, you can snag some.

Of course, vanilla wafers call for banana pudding. Slaton Vanilla Wafers will definitely “up” your pudding experience with their light crunchiness. Here’s a recipe that leaves you with enough cookies in the bag to enjoy as a snack.

Slaton Vanilla Wafer Banana Pudding

Prep Time10

Cook time:15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Materials

1 1/2 Cup Imperial Sugar
1/2 Cup Texas Flour
4 Large Eggs, lightly whisked
4 Cup Whole Milk
1/4 Cup Falfurrias Butter
1 TBSP Adams Vanilla Extract
1/4 Bag Slaton Vanilla Wafers
4 Bananas, sliced

Instructions

In a large saucepan, mix sugar, flour and salt. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk eggs. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and butter Cool 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In an ungreased 9 x 13 baking dish, layer approximately 25 vanilla wafers, top with the banana slices. Pour pudding evenly over bananas and wafers. 4. Press plastic wrap onto surface of pudding. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
If desired, serve with a dallop of whipped cream.