Banana Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   For pudding: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring bottom and sides of pan with rubber spatula constantly until pudding is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 20 to 25 minutes.
2. 2
   Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto surface of pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold and thick.
3. 3
   Place a layer of vanilla wafers in 10 to 12 half-pint Mason jars or ramekins. Top with a layer of banana slices and cup to cup pudding. Gently tap jars on counter to release air bubbles. Loosely cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. 4
   For topping: In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine cup water, sugar, and corn syrup (do not stir together). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook, without stirring, until mixture registers 240 on a candy thermometer, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt at high speed until stiff peaks form.
6. 6
   Pour hot sugar syrup into egg whites in a slow, steady stream. Continue beating until mixture is thick, fluffy, white, and has cooled to room temperature, 5 to 7 minutes.
7. 7
   Spread or pipe topping onto puddings, and brown with a handheld kitchen torch.
8. 8
   Serve immediately.