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Vanilla Custard Sauce

3.8

(5)

This recipe is an accompaniment for Boca Negra Chocolate Chipotle Cakes .

Cooks' note:

Custard sauce can be chilled, covered, up to 2 days.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

1/2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
2 cups half-and-half
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar

Special Equipment

an instant-read thermometer

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan with tip of a paring knife, then add pod and half-and-half and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat.

    Step 2

    Whisk together eggs and sugar in a bowl until well combined, then add hot half-and-half mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Transfer custard to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thickened and custard registers 175°F on thermometer, 5 to 10 minutes (do not let boil).

    Step 3

    Pour custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl, discarding solids. Set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir custard until cool. Chill in refrigerator, covered, until cold, at least 1 hour.

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