Nilla Wafers Original Banana Pudding

Description: From Cook.com. In a Ted Allen blog, he gave the link to this recipe as his favorite way to make this pudding. Once you'll make it, you'll be hooked.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 dash salt
• 4 eggs, separated, at room temperature
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 35 -45 shortbread cookies (like "Nilla wafers", reserve 10 to 12 for garnish)
• 5 -6 medium bananas, sliced (fully riped)

Steps:

1. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler.
2. Stir in 4 egg yolks and milk; blend well.
3. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat; add vanilla.
6. Spread small amount on bottom of 1 1/2 quart casserole; cover with layer of Nilla Wafers. Top with layer of sliced bananas.
7. Pour about 1/3 of the custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make 3 layers each, ending with custard.
8. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Spoon on top of pudding, spreading to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges.
9. Bake at 425 degrees for 5 minutes or until delicately browned.
10. Cool slightly or chill.
11. Just before serving, garnish with banana slices, then stand Nilla Wafers upright around edge of dish.