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Traditional vanilla custard

Traditional vanilla custard
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Traditional vanilla custard is a rich, creamy dessert known for its smooth texture and nostalgic vanilla flavor. Made from simple pantry ingredients like milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla, it offers a comforting and luscious treat that can be enjoyed warm or chilled. This versatile custard can be served on its own or used as a base for other desserts, appealing to both children and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dairy

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Eggs and Sweeteners

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar

Flavorings

  • 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vanilla Infusion: Start by gently warming the whole milk and heavy cream with the split vanilla bean pod and its seeds or vanilla extract over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling. This infuses the mixture with the warm, aromatic vanilla flavor.
  2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened, forming a smooth, creamy base for the custard.
  3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm vanilla milk mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture while whisking constantly to gradually raise the temperature of the eggs and prevent curdling.
  4. Cook the Custard: Return the combined mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil or scramble the eggs.
  5. Strain and Chill: Pour the cooked custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled to develop a smooth, silken texture.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Eggs: Ensure your eggs are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
  • Low and Slow Cooking: Always cook custard gently over low heat to avoid curdling or scrambling.
  • Constant Stirring: Stir continuously for even cooking and a smooth finish.
  • Strain Thoroughly: Straining guarantees a silky custard by removing any cooked egg bits.
  • Patience Is Key: Letting the custard chill completely helps the texture set perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla custard, traditional custard, creamy custard, classic dessert, gluten free dessert

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/traditional-vanilla-custard/