OLD FASHIONED BANANA PUDDING

Certainly! Old-fashioned banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that’s both delicious and comforting. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 box (about 12 ounces) vanilla wafers

For the meringue (optional):

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Add them to the dry ingredients in the saucepan and mix well.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Place the saucepan over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly.
6. In a trifle dish or a similar serving dish, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
7. For the meringue (optional), beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
8. Spread the meringue over the top of the pudding, making sure to seal the edges.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
10. Allow the banana pudding to cool before serving. You can refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy this delicious and nostalgic dessert!