Grandmother’s Boiled Custard
Introduction
Nestled within the heart of our family’s culinary traditions, Grandmother’s Boiled Custard is a cherished recipe that has graced our tables for over four generations. This indulgent custard is not just a delightful drink; it holds a special place in our holiday celebrations, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its rich, velvety texture and sweet flavor make it an irresistible treat that we serve in elegant stemmed goblets, allowing everyone to savor its luxurious essence in small, satisfying portions. Not only is this custard a fantastic standalone dessert, but it also serves as a fantastic base for creamy eggnog during the festive season and can elevate simple banana pudding all year round. The secret to achieving the perfect custard lies in patience and meticulous attention to cooking temperatures; this ensures that it thickens beautifully without overcooking.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes (the custard is prepared entirely in the double boiler) |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Beverages |
| Servings | 10 servings |
| Keywords | Healthy, < 30 Mins |
| Rating | 4.5/5 (based on 2 reviews) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 178.5 |
| Total Fat | 5.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 115.5 mg |
| Sodium | 89.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25.8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 25.4 g |
| Protein | 6.3 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 5 | Eggs |
| 1 | Cup Sugar |
| 1.5 | Tablespoons Cornstarch |
| 4-5 | Cups Milk |
| 1 | Pinch of Salt |
| 1 | Teaspoon Vanilla Extract |
Instructions
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Prepare the Eggs: Begin your custard by breaking the eggs into the top part of a double boiler. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs well until they are fully combined and slightly frothy. This step is essential for achieving a smooth custard.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate small mixing bowl, measure out the sugar and cornstarch. Stir these two dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of sweetness and thickening power.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the sugar and cornstarch mixture to the beaten eggs. Next, pour in 4 cups of milk and add a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until fully combined.
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Cook the Mixture: Place the top of your double boiler over a pot of simmering water, ensuring that the water simmers continuously without boiling too vigorously. Cook the custard mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. It’s crucial to adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, which helps the custard cook evenly without scrambling the eggs.
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Watch for Thickening: Continue stirring and cooking the mixture for about 20 minutes or until it turns a beautiful, even golden color and begins to thicken slightly. Patience is key here; do not rush the cooking process.
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Add Flavor: Once the custard reaches the desired consistency, immediately remove the top part of the double boiler from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing it to meld into the custard and enhance its flavor profile.
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Cool and Adjust: Allow the custard to cool slightly at room temperature. After a few minutes, check the consistency. If it appears too thick, you can gently stir in up to 1 additional cup of milk to reach your desired texture. There’s no need to heat the milk beforehand; it can be added cold without compromising the final product.
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Strain if Necessary: Occasionally, if the heat was too high, small solid particles may form in the custard, known as ‘pips.’ To ensure a perfectly smooth texture, pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer to remove any unwanted solids. While these pips are harmless, they are not visually appealing and can detract from the overall experience.
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Serve and Enjoy: The custard can be enjoyed warm or cold, but we highly recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. This chilling time enhances the flavors and allows for a refreshing experience, especially during the holiday season. Serve in elegant stemmed goblets for a touch of sophistication.
Final Thoughts
With its rich and creamy texture, Grandmother’s Boiled Custard is more than just a beverage; it’s a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Whether you’re serving it as a traditional holiday treat or incorporating it into a delightful dessert, this custard is sure to leave an indelible mark on your taste buds and in your heart. Enjoy this timeless recipe and create new memories with every delicious sip!
