Dessert Recipes
Creme Anglaise
This is also known as "English Custard" and "Custard Sauce."
Ingredients
- 2 cups cream or milk
- 1/2 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, then scrape with the back edge of a knife and add to the cream — seeds, pod and all. If you are using vanilla extract, add it after cooking.
- In a heavy saucepan, barely boil the cream and the prepared vanilla bean.
- Set a large fine mesh strainer over a bowl set in a larger bowl of ice.
- In the top of a double boiler, whisk the yolks and sugar by hand or with a portable electric mixer until thick and smooth, about 30 seconds.
- Slowly whisk in the hot cream and vanilla bean. Cook in the double boiler set over simmering water, stirring gently and constantly all around the bottom and corners with a wooden spatula. Eventually the foam will subside. The Creme Anglaise is done when it coats a wooden spoon without bare spots, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Immediately pour through the strainer. If you are using vanilla extract, add it now.
- To keep Creme Anglaise warm for serving, place it in a bowl set in a larger pot of hot water.
- To store, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the Creme Anglaise, and refrigerate.
Notes
For a flavor variation, add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to vanilla-flavored cream, or replace vanilla extract with 2 teaspoons brandy, rum, amaretto, Kahlua or Grand Marnier.