Southern Banana Pudding

Lisa Ninow

This is my oldest son, David’s, favorite dessert and he would request it every birthday instead of a cake. He is almost 30 now and still requests it for special days. When we lived in Texas, one of our favorite restaurants had a marvelous version and so I set out to create a delicious one at home.  It has become a family favorite!

7 Tbsp. flour

2 – 2 ½ cups sugar – depending on how sweet you like your custard
Dash of salt
6 eggs, separated
6 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. vanilla wafers
5-6 medium bananas
Whipping cream

Combine flour, sugar and salt in a heavy saucepan.  Beat egg yolks; combine egg yolks and milk, mixing well. Stir into dry ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.  Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Layer one-third of wafers into a large serving bowl or trifle bowl.  Slice 1-2 bananas and layer over wafers. Pour one-third of custard over bananas.  Repeat layers twice. Beat whipping cream and sweeten with sugar and vanilla to taste.  Spread over custard, cover and chill until ready to serve.