As a culinary expert with a passion for creating delicious and traditional dishes from scratch, I take pride in sharing my knowledge with those who are eager to learn. Making a custard from scratch is a classic technique that requires attention to detail and a bit of patience, but the result is a creamy, rich, and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various forms, from a simple pudding to a luscious base for tarts and pies.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For a basic custard, you will need:

- Egg yolks: Rich in fat and protein, they provide the body and creaminess to the custard.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the custard as it cooks.
- Milk: Preferably whole milk for a richer custard, but you can use a lower-fat milk if desired.
- Cornflour (cornstarch): A starch that acts as a thickening agent.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the custard.

Step 2: Prepare Your Equipment
You will need a few pieces of equipment to make custard:

- A whisk or an electric mixer to blend your ingredients smoothly.
- A saucepan for heating the milk.
- A jug or bowl for mixing the egg yolks and other dry ingredients.
- A thermometer to ensure the custard reaches the correct temperature without scorching.

**Step 3: Combine the Egg Yolks and Cornflour**
In a jug, whisk together the egg yolks, cornflour (cornstarch), and sugar until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This process is crucial as it helps to break down the proteins in the yolks and incorporate air, which contributes to the custard's texture.

Step 4: Heat the Milk
In a saucepan, gently heat the milk and vanilla until it is warm to the touch but not boiling. It's important not to overheat the milk, as this can cause it to scald or separate later when combined with the egg mixture.

Step 5: Temper the Egg Mixture
Remove the milk from the heat and gradually add it to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This step, known as tempering, helps to gently raise the temperature of the egg mixture, preventing it from curdling when it's returned to the heat.

Step 6: Cook the Custard
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and place it over low heat. Whisk constantly until the custard thickens and comes to a boil. Be vigilant during this step, as custard can quickly go from perfectly cooked to overcooked and curdled.

Step 7: Strain and Cool
Once the custard has thickened and reached a boil, remove it from the heat. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Allow the custard to cool slightly before serving or transferring it to a serving dish or individual ramekins.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the custard warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It can be enjoyed on its own, with a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon, or used as a base for other desserts like pies or trifles.

Custard is a timeless dessert that, when made correctly, offers a delightful balance of creaminess and richness. With practice, you can master this classic dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

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Method NutritionIn a jug whisk together the egg yolks, cornflour and sugar until well combined.In a saucepan gently heat the milk and vanilla until warm (not hot!), remove from the heat and add the milk to the egg mixture.Tip it back into the saucepan and whisk constantly until boiling. ... Serve hot or cold.read more >>