Classic Cream Dessert

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Optional toppings: fresh berries, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. Heat the Milk and Cream:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
3. Temper the Egg Mixture:
   • Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This helps to temper the eggs, preventing them from curdling.
4. Cook the Custard:
   • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the mixture to curdle.
5. Finish the Custard:
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Chill the Dessert:
   • Pour the custard into serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
7. Serve:
   • Once chilled, serve the cream dessert with your choice of toppings, such as fresh berries, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can infuse the milk with a vanilla bean instead of using vanilla extract. Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds, then add both the seeds and the pod to the milk and cream mixture. Remove the pod before adding the egg mixture.
• If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed cookies or nuts on top before serving.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious dessert!