Recipe for cooking classic vanilla custard

Desserts to Go with Coffee and Tea :: Souffles and Puddings

Classic Vanilla Custard

This is also called "Custard Sauce."

2 1/4 c. milk
1/2 vanilla bean or 2 tsp. vanilla extract or flavoring
8 egg yolks
1/3 c. sugar

If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, then scrape with the back edge of a knife and add to the cream - seeds, pod and all. If you are using vanilla extract or flavoring, add it after cooking. In a heavy saucepan, barely boil the milk and the prepared vanilla bean.

Meanwhile, set a lrg. fine mesh strainer over a bowl set in a lrg.r bowl of ice. In the top of a double boiler, whisk the yolks and sugar by hand or with a portable electric mixer until thick and smooth, about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the hot milk and vanilla bean. Cook in the double boiler set over simmering water, stirring gently and constantly all around the bottom and corners with a wooden spatula. Eventually the foam will subside. The Crème Anglaise is done when it coats a wooden spoon without bare spots, 12 to 15 mins.. Immediately pour through the strainer. If you are using vanilla extract or flavoring, add it now. Pour custard into individual dessert bowls or into a lrg. serving bowl. Cover bowls with plastic wrap and chill. Custard sets in 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the container. Serve warm or cold.

Classic Almond Custard
Replace vanilla extract or flavoring or vanilla bean with an equal amount of almond extract or flavoring.

Classic Bourbon Custard
Halve or omit vanilla flavoring and gently stir in 2 tsp. Kentucky bourbon if serving warm, 1 Tbsp. if serving cold.

Classic Brandy Custard
Halve or omit vanilla flavoring and gently stir in 2 tsp. randy if serving warm, 1 Tbsp. brandy if serving cold.

Classic Rum Custard
Halve or omit vanilla flavoring and gently stir in 2 tsp. dark rum if serving warm, 1 Tbsp. dark rum if serving cold.

NOTE: You can use any of the following spirits by using the amounts shown above: Crème de Banana, Crème de Menthe, Southern Comfort, amaretto or Grand Marnier.