Banana Orange Mousse in Pastry, w/ Strawberry Sauce

Most of you know that I belong to a wonderful Community called The Real Women of Philadelphia.  Right now they are conducting their casting call for next years hosts.  I must confess, I would LOVE to be the Dessert Host :))   

I wanted to share with you my first entry into the dessert category. I was so happy with how the recipe turned out, I hope you enjoy it.  I have to tell you that adding the Philadelphia Cream Cheese to this mousse gave it a creaminess and richness that really puts it over the top :)  I will definitely make this recipe again and again:)

This is a take on a delicious retro comfort food, banana pudding. My grandma always made this for me and I still love it! With the help of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, this recipe kicks up banana pudding to a french pastry status and yet is so simple to make. If you like banana pudding, your going to LOVE this dessert:) 

• 4 ounce(s) of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• 1 17.3 ounce package of puff pastry (2 sheets)
• 2/3 cup(s) of Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 tsp. of Finely minced orange zest
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp. of water
• 1 3.4 ounce package of Banana Cream Instant Pudding
• 1 tsp. of Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup(s) of Orange juice
• 1 cup(s) of Heavy Whipping Cream
• 2 cup(s) of Fresh Sliced Strawberries
• 4 Ripe Bananas
• 1 11.75 Ounce Jar of Strawberry Ice Cream Topping (the kind with strawberries in the sauce)
• 12 whole fresh strawberries 
•  

Steps

1. Pre- heat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. unfold your puff pastry, you will notice that is is folded into thirds. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut the sheet in half, and then follow the lines so you have 6 rectangles. Do this with both sheets to make 12 rectangles.
3. With a fork beat together the egg and water. Brush the pastry with egg wash and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
4. In a large mixing bowl, add Philadelphia Cream Cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Beat until completely creamed and smooth (there should be no lumps)
5. Add orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and banana pudding mix to cream cheese mixture beat this on med for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens.
6. When pastry shells are finished cool them on a rack or cool plate. Once they
7. Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold into banana pudding mixture. Set in refrigerator until ready.
8. To make strawberry sauce place the strawberry ice cream topping in the blender, blend until smooth.
9. Push strawberry sauce through a strainer, or sieve, and put in a condiment bottle with a pointed tip.
10. To assemble lay out your pastry top and bottom. Slice one layer of the ripe banana
11. Pipe or spoon mousse on top of banana
12. Dust top of pastry with powdered sugar and pipe, or spoon about 1 teaspoon of the mousse on top of that. This will hold the whole strawberry and a sprig of fresh mint (optional)

Squeeze your strawberry sauce in a squiggle pattern on your plate and place pastry on top of the sauce, serve and enjoy:)

 If you would like to see a video tutorial on how to make this recipe, here is the link

http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/user/recipe/banana-orange-mousse-in-pastry-w-strawberry-sauce