Favorite Banana Pudding

To some, banana pudding recipes are just as personal as dressing and biscuit recipes in the South. Here is the recipe that I use, and, though I haven't made it in a while, for years it was, literally, the requested dish for just about every office event I attended. It is remarkably simple with a soon-to-be-not-so-secret ingredient that adds just the right balance to the flavors. I like lots of bananas and lots of vanilla wafers, but, as always, adjust those amounts to your personal preferences. Do you have a cherished banana pudding recipe you're willing to part with? You know what to do....email us at thesoutherndish@gmail.com.

Banana Pudding
3/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3 c. milk, low fat or whole (but not fat free!)
3 large egg yolks
3 T. butter, room temperature
2 t. pure vanilla
1 c. sour cream
vanilla wafer cookies
4 or 5 bananas, very ripe but not mushy
sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping (Why not try one of the flavored whipped creams listed in the recipe list at the left of the screen?)
extra banana slices for garnish (optional)

Combine the sugar, salt, and flour; stir to blend. Slowly whisk in milk and stir until smooth. Pour into the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken. (If you don't have a double boiler, you can do this over fairly low heat -- just be very careful that you don't scorch anything.)

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks; gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot mixture. Add the egg mixture to the double boiler, and stir in the vanilla and butter. Continue whisking and cooking until well thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Once cool, stir in sour cream.

In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, pudding, and then sliced banana. The size of your dish will determine the number of layers. Just make sure you finish with the pudding on top so your bananas don't turn brown. Some people like to eat it immediately. I like to cover it and refrigerate it overnight so the flavors can blend. The choice is yours.

When you're ready to serve, top each serving with whipped cream or whipped topping and a few extra banana slices. (Some people like meringue...I am not one of them.)