Original Banana Pudding - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
dash of salt
4 eggs, separated and at room temperature
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
35 to 45 vanilla wafers
5 to 6 medium sized fully ripe bananas, sliced (reserve 1 banana and 10 to 12 wafers 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 continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add vanilla.
Spread small amount on bottom of a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
Cover with layer of wafers.
Top with layer of bananas.
Pour about 1/3 of custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make 3 layers of each, ending with custard.
Beat egg whites until stiff, but not too dry.
Gradually add 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 5 minutes or until slightly brown.
Chill; garnish with bananas and wafers.
Serves 8.