Confectioner’s custard

• ½ pint (300 ml) milk
• 1 vanilla pod (optional)
• 3

Put the milk and vanilla pod, if using it, into a saucepan and heat gently until milk is hot and infused with the vanilla flavour. In a mixing bowl,

beat the eggs, sugar, flour and salt with a wooden spoon until creamy and light. Stir in the hot milk, blend well and strain back into the rinsed saucepan.

Place over low heat and whisk constantly until custard boils. (The presence