Modern Custard

Ingredients

• 4 Large Eggs (Or 5 small eggs)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (About 1 pint)
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Or 1 vanilla bean pod)
• 1 Bay Leaf (Optional)

Instructions

1. 1In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. If using a bay leaf or vanilla bean pod, add it to the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once simmering, remove from heat. If using bay leaf or vanilla bean, let steep for 10 minutes, then remove.
2. 2In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until light and frothy.
3. 3Gradually pour the warm milk into the whisked eggs, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. Pour the mixture into a heatproof jug or bowl. Place the jug/bowl in a saucepan filled with about 1 inch of simmering water (bain-marie). Stir the custard gently but constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the custard, or it may curdle.
4. 4Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if not using a vanilla bean pod). Let the custard cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled.