Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 2 cups whole milk or cream
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon butter

Heat the milk to boiling. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, sugar and flour together. Whisk in a little warm milk, then a little more, gradually. Whisk well then pour into the boiled milk. Turn the heat to low and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened - about 3 or 4 minutes. Whisk in the butter and vanilla. Transfer to to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface of the cream. Refrigerate.

Yield: 2 cups

from Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen