Independence Day Banana Pudding!

What celebrates independence like banana pudding? Nothing! Not healthy or Zone in any way, shape, or form, but totally yum!

From the talented Paula Deen (and yes, it contains a stick of butter)!

Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups milk
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces (1/2 stick) butter
3 medium bananas, sliced
1 (12-ounce box) vanilla wafers
For the meringue topping, optional:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar
Directions
Mix together sugar and cornstarch and slowly add milk. This should be cooked in the top of a double boiler, but you can cook it over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens--do not leave it unattended. Slightly beat egg yolks and temper with a small amount of the hot custard; stir well. Add egg mixture to custard pot and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter. Let cool. In a 9 by 9-inch oven proof baking dish, alternate pudding, bananas, and wafers, beginning with pudding and ending with pudding. Add topping, if desired.

For the meringue topping, if using:
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread onto top of pudding mixture. Bake until golden brown.

**I recommend doubling the custard recipe! **

Start with sliced bananas (dip in lemon juice to avoid browning)



Make and cool the custard



Another reason I love the stand alone mixer: perfect meringue!





Bake to brown! YUM!