Combine in blender the following 5 ingredients.
Use low setting to stir.
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
dash of salt
4 egg yolks (save whites)
Pour liquid into a heavy saucepan or the top of a double boiler (safer). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce heat and cook stirring occasionally, for five more minutes. Do not let pudding boil. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Line the bottom and sides of 1 1/2 qt casserole with a single layer of vanilla wafers. Spread a layer of vanilla pudding (perhaps 1/2 cup). Top with a layer of sliced bananas. Repeat layering (wafer, pudding, banana) three times. This will take 5-6 medium-sized ripe bananas and a full box of wafer (and all the pudding.)
Beat four egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Spoon meringue on top of pudding, covering entire surface and sealing well to the edges of casserole. Bake at 425 for 5 minutes or until delicately browned.
Even though this recipe makes 8 servings, I always double it, preparing it in several dishes in order to share ~
