Recipe Archives->Desserts Pudding->Pastry Creme

Pastry Creme 

2 cups milk     
1/2 cup white sugar     
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise
6 egg yolks
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pinch salt

Place the milk, half the sugar and the vanilla bean in a saucepan
over medium heat.

Combine the egg yolks and the remaining sugar in a bowl and whisk
until light in color. Add in the flour and the salt, mix to combine.

When the milk just begins to boil, remove from heat and remove
vanilla bean. Very slowly dribble the hot milk into the yolk mixture,
stirring all the time. When about half of the milk has been added,
place all of the yolk mixture into the saucepan over medium heat.
Using a spatula or a whisk, mix the pastry cream as it heats, making  
sure to reach all of the corners of the pan when you stir. Bring 
the mixture to a boil. Let boil for about 1 minute, stirring
constantly. The mixture will be thick.

Remove from heat and add the butter. Strain if you wish for a
smoother cream. Place into a bowl and cover directly with plastic
wrap to stop a skin from forming on the cream. Chill and use within
a few days.

Printable version: pastry-creme.txt.