Sweet Monkey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Separate the yolks from the whites of 3 eggs. Set aside the whites (this will be used for the meringue). Add remaining whole egg to the yolks.

Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in egg yolks and whole egg.

In a saucepan pour the egg mixture and stir a few times prior to turning on the stove (medium heat). Add Milk to mixture and stir frequently (about 10-12 minutes) till the pudding thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to pudding (homemade custard).

In a 9x9 baking dish place 4 wafers per row on the bottom of the dish. Layer with your sliced bananas. Scoop half of pudding (homemade custard) on top of bananas and spread evenly. Repeat. Sprinkle crushed wafers and extra bananas on top of your last layer of pudding.

To make the meringue, take the reserved egg whites with a pinch of salt and vanilla extract and beat in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar on high speed in a mixer. Beat until whites will not slide out of the mixing bowl or till a light fluffy texture is formed (about 8 minutes).

Spread meringue with spatula on top of the banana pudding creating nice high peaks with the spatula for decoration. If using an oven safe dish, you may bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees (optional). Torch meringue once completed.

Other plating options are mason jars and or a trifle dish and of course you could by store-bought instant pudding, but this homemade custard is just delicious. Enjoy!