Ingredients
2 c. half-and-half or whole milk
1 vanilla bean
1/2 c. sugar
4 egg yolks
Preparation
Step 1Set a large fine strainer over a medium bowl and set the bowl in a shallow pan of cold water.Step 2In a large saucepan, combine the half-and-half and vanilla bean and cook over moderately low heat just until small bubbles appear around the rim, about 5 minutes.Step 3In another medium bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks just until combined. Whisk in half of the hot half-and-half in a thin stream. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the sauce has thickened slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately strain the sauce into the bowl in the cold water bath to stop the cooking. Scrape the vanilla seeds into the sauce. Serve right away or refrigerate until chilled.Step 4Notes: Master Sauce recipes adapted from Get Saucy, by Grace Parisi, copyright 2005, with permission from Harvard Common Press, 535 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118.
