Comfort food classic: Banana Pudding

This classic banana pudding brings me back to my Southern roots. It is the ultimate summer dessert. I love making it for potlucks because it's easy to make in big batches and always a hit. This particular recipe has one of the best custard mixtures I've tried. It's incredibly addictive.

Banana Pudding
adapted from Food Network

Whipped cream mixture:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Custard Mixture:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups scalded milk
• 3 large egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• Whipped cream mixture
• 1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafers
• 4 medium size ripe bananas, peeled and thinly sliced

Directions:

Whip the cream to nearly stiff peaks. Add vanilla and sugar. Whip until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Mix sugar, flour and salt in a large heavy saucepan. Gradually stir in the scalded milk with a wisk. Cook the mixture over moderate heat while stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Slowly stir in approximately 1/4 cup the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Next add the yolks to the balance of the hot mixture and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture is fully thickened to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool completely and then fold in 1/2 cup of the whipped cream mixture. In a large bowl begin layering custard, then banana slices, and next vanilla wafers. Repeat several times, ending with the wafers on top. Spread the remaining whip cream on top. Chill at least 30 minutes and serve.