Rich and Creamy Vanilla Custard

This recipe is a delightful vanilla custard that results in a rich, smooth, and creamy dessert. It's perfect for serving as a standalone treat or as a base for various other desserts. Creating this custard involves simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. The balance of sweetness and the subtle vanilla flavor creates a comforting dish that is satisfying for any palate. The use of egg yolks gives the custard its luxurious texture, while milk provides a creamy backdrop. The touch of vanilla adds an aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor. This custard can be enjoyed warm or cold, and it's versatile enough to be paired with fruits, pastries, or enjoyed as is. With just a 30-minute preparation time, it's a quick way to make a delicious and impressive dessert. Follow these steps and tips to achieve a dessert that is both classic and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks
• 0.5 liters of milk
• 200 grams of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Heat the Milk: Begin by gently heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
2. Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugars: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla sugar until they become a pale, creamy mixture.
3. Add Flour to the Egg Mixture: Gradually add the flour to the yolk mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until well combined.
4. Combine with Warm Milk: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly, to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
5. Return to Saucepan: Once the mixtures are combined, pour everything back into the saucepan.
6. Cook Until Thickened: Heat the mixture on low, stirring continuously, until the custard starts to thicken and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Check the Consistency: The custard should be smooth and free of any lumps. If lumps form, pass it through a sieve.
8. Remove from Heat: Once thickened to your liking, remove the custard from the heat.
9. Cool Down (Optional): Pour the custard into a glass or ceramic bowl to cool if you prefer a cold dessert.
10. Serve: Serve the vanilla custard warm, or refrigerate it to serve chilled.
11. Optional Garnishing: Add any toppings like whipped cream or fruit as desired before serving.

Tips

• Avoiding Lumps: Make sure to stir constantly to prevent the custard from forming lumps.
• Flour Substitution: Cornstarch can be used instead of flour if you want a smoother texture.
• Extra Flavor: For an additional flavor dimension, consider adding a cinnamon stick while heating the milk and removing it before combining.

Nutritions

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

• Lactose-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond milk or lactose-free milk.
• Low Sugar: Reduce sugar or use honey or agave syrup for sweetening.

Serving Suggestions

• Fruits: Pair with berries or sliced bananas.
• Pastries: Serve alongside pastries like croissants or éclairs.
• Drinks: Enjoy with a side of espresso or tea.

Best Places

1. La Maison du Chocolat - Renowned for its exquisite desserts. Location: 1018 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
2. Café de Flore - A Parisian café famous for desserts. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
3. Cova - Known for luxurious pastries. Location: Via Montenapoleone 8, Milan, Italy.
4. The Hummingbird Bakery - Delicious variety of desserts. Location: 47 Old Brompton Road, London, UK.
5. Pasticceria Marchesi - Iconic Italian desserts. Location: Via Santa Maria Alla Porta 11/A, Milan, Italy.
6. Buvette - Parisian café charm and desserts. Location: 42 Grove St, New York, USA.
7. Pasticceria Andrea Pansa - Coastal desserts in Amalfi. Location: Piazza Duomo, 40, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy.
8. Café Central - Historic café known for its custards. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
9. Demel - Artisan desserts in Vienna. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
10. Konditorei Oberlaa - Delightful pastries and custard. Location: Neuhauser Str. 210, Munich, Germany.