Cornflour Custard Recipe

Cornflour custard is a delicious and versatile dessert sauce that has been enjoyed for many years. This simple yet flavorful recipe has roots dating back to the early 20th century, when it was a popular choice for desserts due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of preparation.

Fun Fact: Did you know that cornflour is a finely ground powder made from corn kernels? It is commonly used as a thickening agent in various recipes, including custards, sauces, and soups.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for Cornflour Custard:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 pint of milk
- 1 egg
- 1 dessertspoonful of cornflour
- Sugar and flavoring (such as vanilla or almond extract) to taste

Total Cost: 3 pennies (old currency)

Time: 5 minutes

Instructions:
1. Begin by pouring the milk into a saucepan and placing it on the stovetop over medium heat. Allow the milk to come to a gentle boil.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornflour with a spoonful of cold milk to create a smooth paste. This step ensures that the cornflour will dissolve easily in the hot milk without forming lumps.
3. Once the milk in the saucepan is nearly boiling, gradually stir in the cornflour paste. Continue stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth texture.
4. Allow the mixture to boil for approximately two to three minutes, ensuring it thickens slightly.
5. Next, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly beat in the yolk of the egg. This will add richness and creaminess to the custard.
6. To enhance the flavor, add sugar and your chosen flavoring, such as vanilla or almond extract. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.
7. Place the saucepan back on the heat and bring the custard to a boiling point again, while stirring continuously. This step ensures that the egg is fully cooked and the custard is thickened to the desired consistency.
8. Once the custard reaches the desired thickness, it is ready to be used as a sauce or poured over various desserts. It pairs exceptionally well with plum or other fruit-based puddings and tarts.

Fun Fact: Cornflour custard can also be enjoyed as a standalone dessert by serving it chilled in individual serving bowls or glasses, topped with fresh fruits or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Similar Recipes:
1. Vanilla Custard: Replace the cornflour with a similar amount of regular wheat flour to create a classic vanilla custard. Follow the same method mentioned above, omitting the cornflour and adjusting the cooking time slightly.
2. Chocolate Custard: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the cornflour custard recipe to create a rich and decadent chocolate custard sauce. This variation pairs well with chocolate desserts or can be enjoyed on its own.
3. Caramel Custard: Add a caramel sauce or melted caramel candies to the custard mixture for a delicious caramel-infused custard. This variation adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
4. Fruit-flavored Custard: Create a delightful fruit-flavored custard by adding pureed fruits, such as strawberries or mangoes, to the cornflour custard base. This variation offers a burst of fruity freshness to your dessert.

Remember, cornflour custard is a versatile sauce that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and paired with a wide range of desserts. Enjoy exploring different flavors and combinations to create your own signature custard dishes!