Ingredients:
2 cups (500 ml) milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker custard)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Heat the milk:
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar (and cornstarch if using) until the mixture is pale and smooth.
3. Combine:
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Cook the custard:
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Do not boil.
5. Add vanilla:
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Cool and serve:
Pour the custard into serving bowls. Serve warm or chilled. You can top it with caramel, fruit, or cookies if desired.
