Mud Pie in the Sky

If you can make mud, you can make Mud Pie. All you have to do is whip up some instant pudding and toss in some nuts, cookie crumbs or granola.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Annie’s Homegrown Chocolate Bunny Grahams
• ¼ cup peanuts or mixed nuts
• 2 tbsp JELL-O brand instant chocolate pudding
• 2 tbsp powdered milk
• ½ cup water

Substitutions: In place of Bunny Grahams, any crumbled chocolate cookies will do. In a pinch, you can substitute granola for the nuts.

At Home:

I package the Bunny Grahams and the peanuts in separate 3 x 5 plastic bags, the powdered milk and pudding mix in separate 2 x 3 plastic bags. I place these bags inside another sandwich size bag to stay organized.

On the Trail:

Use your pot or a plastic container with lid to mix the pudding. Combine the powdered milk with cold water. Then add the pudding mix and stir briskly or shake for a minute until the powder is absorbed and the pudding starts to thicken.

After the pudding sets in about five minutes, add your extra goodies and let your spoon guide you.

For a change of pace, here's a "green" variation of this dessert that I really enjoy:

Pistachio Mud Pie

Prepare as above, except use Pistachio flavored pudding instead of chocolate, and almonds or other nuts instead of peanuts. Divide the contents of the box into four parts. A single serving is two tablespoons, which you can pack in a 2 x 3 plastic bag.

Instant pudding comes in 16 glorious artificial flavors, so let your imagination go wild. I don't eat the stuff at home, but I like it once in a while as a trail dessert.

Check out another backpacking dessert recipe.