GRANDMA'S OLD FASHIONED BANANA PUDDING RECIPES

Steps:

• In a saucepan or double-boiler, mix the sugar, flour, salt, milk, egg yolks and whole egg. Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly to bring up to a good temperature. Slowly increase heat until mixture thickens and bubbles and becomes thick. It will coat the back of a wooden spoon and when you draw your finger down the middle of the back of the spoon, the separation remains.
• Remove from heat and add vanilla and lemon oil or zest if using.
• Slice bananas 1/4" to 1/2" thick, whatever your preference.
• Use a 2 quart souffle dish or 10-inch pie plate. Layer vanilla wafers on bottom. Top with some bananas, followed by the custard. Repeat until all the custard is used. Finish with custard and wafers pressed down into it.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• MERINGUE:.
• Take room temperature egg whites and add cream of tartar and pinch of salt. Beat til foamy. As volume increases, slowly add sugar. Whip til glossy but not dry. Stop mixer and add vanilla. Whip til incorporated and meringue stands in stiff peaks but it not dry. Meringue should still have a nice sheen to it.
• Dump meringue on top of prepared banana pudding mixture and spread out to the edges and seal to the edge using a spatula. Sealing is important as the meringue will shrink from the edges if you don't.
• Bake in a 350 oven for 8-10 minutes, til golden brown. If you've tall peaks, watch closely for browning of the tips. They can brown really fast.
• Remove from oven and cool on countertop. Serve warm or put in refrigerator when completely cool to keep meringue from sweating.

Steps:

• 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 1-1 1/2 quart casserole; cover with layer of wafers.
• Top with layer of sliced 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 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° for 25 minutes or until delicately browned.
• Cool slightly or chill.
• Just before serving, garnish with banana slices, then insert vanilla wafers upright around edge of dish.
• Makes 16 servings.