Vanilla Custard
Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth, and delicately flavored with vanilla, custard is one of those simple family desserts that has been passed down through generations. Just a few ingredients are all you need to create a light and silky custard with a thin, golden top that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
1 liter of whole or semi-skimmed milk
6 large eggs
90 g of sugar
1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 small pinch of salt, optional
Preparation
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2️⃣ Pour the milk into a saucepan. Add the split and scraped vanilla bean, then heat gently until it just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and let it infuse for a few minutes.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, gently mix the eggs and sugar without whisking too vigorously. The goal is to obtain a smooth mixture without incorporating too much air.
4️⃣ Remove the vanilla bean, then gradually pour the hot milk over the eggs while gently mixing.
5️⃣ Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to obtain a perfectly smooth texture.
6️⃣ Divide the mixture among ramekins or pour it into a large ovenproof dish.
7️⃣ Place the dish or ramekins in a larger container. Pour hot water around them until it reaches about halfway up the sides to create a gentle water bath.
8️⃣ Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The custards are ready when the edges are set and the center is still slightly wobbly.
9️⃣ Remove them from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
🔟 Serve them chilled, directly in the ramekins or cut into portions if they were prepared in a large dish.
Gourmet Tip
For extra creamy custards, avoid boiling the milk vigorously and mix the eggs gently without creating foam. A thin layer of caramel at the bottom of the dish can also transform this simple dessert into an even more indulgent version.
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