Easy Creamy Vanilla Custard

Directions

1. 1
   1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup milk, sugar, cornstarch and salt.
2. 2
   2. In the top of a double boiler with simmering water in the bottom pot, heat the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk until steaming.
3. 3
   3. In a slow and steady stream, whisk the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture.
4. 4
   4. Return the mixture to the double boiler and stir continuously over medium heat. The custard will slowly warm up, then thicken all of a sudden. Remove from the heat.
5. 5
   5. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
6. 6
   6. Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. 7
   Note: I used all of my vanilla beans to make vanilla extract, but if you've got a bean hanging around, you can scrape the seeds into the milk to infuse as it heats. If not, you can use any good quality vanilla extract.