Baked Custard

Baked Custard

Ingredients:

• 2 cups evaporated milk

• 5 eggs

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp almond extract

• 1/2 tsp butter extract

• zest of 1 orange

1. In a saucepan, heat milk on low heat until blood warm.

2. Beat eggs and sugar together, until sugar has dissolved.

3. Gently whisk in almond and butter extract and orange zest.

4. Incorporate into warm milk.

5. Grease a rectangular or square 2 liter baking dish (7 X 11, 8 X 8 or 9 X 9 ).

6. Strain milk mixture into greased dish and grate nutmeg on the top.

7. Place into a second larger baking dish that is half-filled with hot water (water bath).

8. Bake in a 350°F heated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until custard is set.

9. Allow to cool. Serve at room temperature or place in the refrigerator and serve cold.

Yields: 4 to 6 servings.

Notes&Tips:

• Baked custard is a simple, rich, and delicious dessert. My mom made this frequently for us when we were growing up.

• Over the years, I have made this dish into my own. My mom's version had vanilla extract as the only flavoring. I now add orange zest (I cannot pass up using orange zest when the chance presents itself!) and almond and butter extract for a difference flavor variation.

• Also, mom cooked her custard on the stove top on low heat in a water bath. It set perfectly every time.

• My hubby likes his custard sweet, so I sometimes add a bit more sugar.

• You can also bake in individual ramekins. Pour milk mixture into 4 greased ramekins. Set in water bath and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until set.