Baked Custard

Directions

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.