Original Banana Pudding - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
dash of salt
4 eggs, separated (at room temperature)
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
35 to 45 Nilla wafers (reserve 10 wafers for garnish)
5 to 6 medium size fully ripe bananas, sliced (reserve 1 banana for garnish)

Preparation

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Stir in 4 egg yolks and milk.
Blend well. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vanilla. Spread small amount on bottom of a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Cover with layer of Nilla wafers. Top with layer of sliced bananas.
Pour about 1/3 of the custard over the bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make 3 layers of each, ending with custard.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
Spoon on top of pudding, spreading to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges.
Bake at 425\u00b0 for 15 minutes or until delicately browned.
Cool slightly or chill.
Just before serving, garnish with banana slices, then Nilla wafers upright around edge of dish.