Southern Banana Pudding
 

*Ingredients*

3/4 cup sugar, divided
3 tbs. cornstarch
Dash salt
2 cups milk
4 eggs, separated
1 tbs. butter or margarine
2 tsp. vanilla extract or 1 tsp. rum extract
40 to 45 vanilla wafers, divided
2 bananas, sliced and divided
 

*Preparation*

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In med. saucepan combine 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch and salr;  gradually add milk.  Cook over med. heat until mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly; continue to boil 2 min., stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

Place egg yolks in med. bowl; gradually stir in half of the milk mixture.  Return mixture back to saucepan (and rest of milk mixture).    Cook over med. heat until mixture returns to boil, stirring constantly; continue to boil 2 min., stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

Add butter and extract, mixing well.  In 1 1/2 quart round baking dish layer half of wafers, bananas and pudding.  Repeat layers.

In med. bowl beat egg whites to soft peak.  Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff.  Spread over pudding.  Bake 5 to 7 min. or until golden brown.

Garnish with wafers and banana slices.  Serve warm or chilled.
 

Yield:  6 servings