Banana Buttermilk Trifles

The more I flip through Shaina Olmanson's debut cookbook, Desserts In Jars: 50 Sweet Treats That Shine (The Harvard Common Press - June 2012), the more I am convinced she wrote and photographed this book with people like me in mind. I am a person who regularly entertains people in my home and meets friends for picnics at the park and beach, and am always thinking about practical and elevated ways to prepare and serve dessert. Olmanson has answers for this dilemma. Recipients will feel fussed over and special when eating one of her single-portion desserts. Who wouldn't with recipes such as Cardamom Pear Crisps; Lemon-Blueberry Bread Puddings; Fried Ice Cream; and Rustic Rhubarb Custard Pies?

For anyone, especially parents, looking for an alternative dessert to the customary birthday cupcake, Olmanson provides an entire cookbook of great recipes to inspire you. Desserts In Jars will make even the most hesitant home baker look as accomplished as the beloved neighborhood bakery down the street. And for me, this reason alone makes this book a welcomed addition to my home collection. I also invite you to watch the Dessert In Jars book trailer and to explore Shaina's wonderful food blog, Food For My Family, for more excellent family-friendly recipes.

Here on Kitchen Explorers, I am happy to present to you the Banana Buttermilk Trifles recipe from the book. We are also giving away a copy to one reader provided by The Harvard Common Press.