Amish Baked Custard
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups whole milk
- Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture into a large 1.5-quart baking dish or divide it evenly among individual custard cups or ramekins.
- Prepare the Water Bath:
- Place the baking dish or ramekins into a larger baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the baking dish or ramekins. This water bath helps the custard cook evenly and prevents it from curdling.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle the top of the custard with ground nutmeg.
- Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center. If using ramekins, the baking time might be shorter, so start checking at around 30-35 minutes.
- Check for Doneness:
- To check if the custard is done, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. The center of the custard should be just slightly jiggly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the baking dish or ramekins from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. You can serve the custard warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- Optional:
- For a special touch, you can garnish the custard with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh fruit.
Enjoy your delicious Amish baked custard!
