Banana pudding is a Southern dessert favorite.

It's no wonder.

This luscious banana dessert is so easy to make, but hits just the right note every time you serve it.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 dash salt
1 egg
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 dozen vanilla wafers
3 large bananas, sliced
1/4 cup sugar

Directions:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in the top of a double boiler. Mix well. Sir in 1 egg, 3 yolks and milk. Mix well. Place over boiling water. Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.

Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Spread 1/4 cup of the pudding in a 1 3/4 quart casserole. Arrange 12 wafers over the pudding. Top with 1/3 of the banana slices and 1/3 of the remaining pudding. Repeat the layers twice.

Beat 3 egg whites (at room temperature), at the high speed of an electric mixer, for 1 minute. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff peaks form and the sugar dissolves (2-4 minutes). Spread the meringue over the pudding, sealing to the edge of the casserole.

Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 8 servings.