Vanilla Bean–Lemon Verbena Bavarian Cream

If fresh lemon verbena is not available, substitute dried, increasing the amount slightly. If neither is available or if you prefer not to use the herb, increase the vanilla to two beans. Cut the beans in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod halves to the milk in Step 1. Scald the milk and allow the mixture to steep as directed. Omit Step 3. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pods in Step 5 before whisking the hot milk into the yolk mixture. With either