Homemade vanilla custard

[Gluten free - wheat free recipe]

Vanilla custard powder isn't common in Japan, but it's pretty easy to make yourself.

Here's how to make it:

2-3 tbsp sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
4 tbsp corn flour (use 1 or 2 tbsp more for thicker custard)
500 ml milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla essence


1. In a saucepan, blend sugar, corn flour and milk together. Slowly bring to boil over low heat, mixing continuously with a whisk until thick.

2. Lightly beat the yolks in a separate bowl and mix in 6 tablespoons of the hot custard. Blend thoroughly, then stir the yolk mixture and vanilla essence into the remaining custard.

3. Heat for a further 1-2 minutes or until thick, stirring continuously.


Notes:
Tastes nice hot or cold. You can use fewer egg yolks or leave them out completely and it's still nice. The egg yolk helps to give the custard a nice yellow colour and gives it a richer taste.

For a chocolate custard, melt in one of those 65g blocks of Japanese chocolate instead of using vanilla and eggs.
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