Banana Pudding Parfaits

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups whole milk
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, divided
3 tablespoons bourbon, divided
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies, (about 40-45 cookies)
4 bananas

Directions

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch and salt.
2. Whisk in milk and bring mixture up to a simmer over medium heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, light brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.
4. When milk mixture comes up to a bubble (it will get very thick), temper 1/3 of the hot liquid into the yolk mixture, whisking continuously.
5. Pour everything back into the saucepan and continue to cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture starts to thicken.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon and continue to cook, whisking continuously until mixture comes up to a boil. Continue cooking for one minute.
7. Remove pudding from heat and pour into a bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
8. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.
9. When ready to assemble parfaits, whip heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer with powdered sugar, remaining vanilla bean paste and bourbon until stiff peaks form
10. To assemble parfaits, place 4-5 vanilla wafers on the bottom of each glass, followed by a layer of pudding, whipped cream and 4-5 slices of banana. Repeat this process one more time to fill parfait glass.
11. Top each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with vanilla wafers.
12. Refrigerate pudding parfaits until ready to serve.