Baked Custard

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Fill a teakettle with water, and bring to a boil.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine milk and vanilla bean, if using.

4. 4

   Heat just until warm, then remove vanilla bean, and reserve for another use.

5. 5

   If not using bean, add vanilla extract after milk is heated.

6. 6

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks and sugar.

7. 7

   Pour in vanilla-infused milk, whisking until smooth.

8. 8

   Strain mixture into a pie plate of 4 to 5 cups capacity (about 9 inches in diameter).

9. 9

   Sprinkle with nutmeg.

10. 10

    Place pie plate in a large shallow baking dish, and fill with boiling water to come halfway up side of pie plate.

11. 11

    Place in oven and bake until custard is set, about 1 hour.

12. 12

    Remove baking pan from oven, and transfer pie plate to a rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

13. 13

    Serve while slightly warm, preferably about 30 minutes after removing from oven.

No additional tips available.