Instructions: (This recipe doesnt call for cornstarch, which makes for better texture, I think, and it doesnt make that large a pudding. Regardless of how well-loved a dessert this is, theres no denying that it doesnt hold over past the second day- not very attractively, anyway. If you do need a big pudding for a crowd, just double the recipe. You will make this often and, if you forget, someone will probably remind you.)

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Line the bottom and sides of a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish or 9 x 9 baking dish with a layer of vanilla wafers (this recipe will not use the whole box, so you may snack along the way, but dont get carried away.)

Peel the bananas and slice into 3/8-inch rounds; use a ruler (Im kidding!). Cover the banana slices with plastic wrap to keep them from darkening and quickly make your pudding.

Combine sugar, flour and salt in bowl, mix well, and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan, beat egg yolks well (just use a fork, but beat well).

Over medium heat, add the flour mixture to the egg yolks, alternately, with the milk and vanilla, stirring constantly.

Bring to a gentle boil and, when mixture begins to thicken, add butter, continuing to stir. When the mixture begins to reach pudding consistency, remove from heat.

Place a layer of banana slices in the baking dish on top of the vanilla wafers. Pour, spreading as necessary, half of the pudding over the wafers and banana slices. Put down another layer of vanilla wafers and another layer of bananas, and cover with the remaining pudding.

Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form soft peaks. Add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and cream of tartar, and beat until stiff peaks are formed. Spread the meringue over the pudding.

Place in a preheated 375 F oven and bake until browned, 12 to 15 minutes, depending upon your oven.

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