6 to 8 servings.

This is a wonderful from-scratch banana pudding recipe -- comfort food at its best.  There are so many good things about this dessert that it's hard to know where to start to describe it.  You just have to try it.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 Tbs flour
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• dash of salt
• 3 eggs, separated
• 3 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (12 oz.) box vanilla wafers
• 6 medium bananas
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs sugar (for meringue)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for meringue)

Method

1. To make custard:  Combine flour, 1 1/3 cups sugar, and salt in heavy saucepan.  Beat egg yolks; combine with milk, stirring well.  Add eggs and milk to dry ingredients; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.  Remove from heat; stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
2. Layer one-third of wafers in a 3-quart baking dish.  Slice two bananas and layer over wafers.  Pour one-third of custard over bananas.  Repeat layers of cookies, bananas, and custard twice.
3. To make meringue:  Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until foamy.  Gradually add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.  Add 1 tsp vanilla, and beat until blended.   Spread meringue over custard, sealing to edge of dish.
4. Bake at 425° F for 10-12 minutes of until golden brown.

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