Wednesday, April 1, 2009

For What Ails Ya


Last night this was how I found Michaela. She had been whining most of the day and 'crying wolf' about needing ginger ale because she was going to be sick just like the boys. Finally, early in the evening she started hanging around the toilet bowl a little more - but never got sick. Instead I come back a few minutes later and find her asleep.

While she slept, I made something that always makes me feel better.

Gramma Minnie's Microwave Custard

My Gramma taught me how to make this in 1978 (I think...) My parents had gone on a trip that my dad earned at work to Cancun, Mexico. My sister and I stayed in Bayou La Batre, Alabama with Gramma and Grandee. I was about 10 years old and felt so grown up to be cooking on my own. I believe I made custard every day we were there and I believe I gained about 10 pounds because of it.

It's easy enough that a 10 year old could do it... and one of my favorite comfort foods. Maybe not the best choice on a weakened stomach - but after the soda crackers and bananas stay down you can give it a shot.

To make 8 servings you'll need:

2 1/2 Cups Milk (heat 5 minutes at full power)
4 Beaten Eggs (I used fresh eggs from my friend that I stuck a needle in and blew the insides out in preparation for Easter decorating... I like to put the holes on one side so I can easily hide them.)

To the beaten eggs, add:

3/4 Cup Sugar (I used Splenda for baking - you use half of what your recipe calls for.)
1 Pinch Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla (Mexican vanilla has a great rich flavor. It shines nicely in a recipe with so few ingredients.)

(Short commercial break for my husband... This last week he installed some under-cabinet halogen lights over my work spaces. I LOVE the difference. I no longer have to cook in a dungeon! Thanks honey ;0)

And now back to our recipe...

Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture with a whisk. If you dump it all in at once you can start the cooking of the eggs prematurely...
















Pour into 8 half cup ramekins.




















Dot the top with butter (or margarine). Use about half of what I show here.

















Then sprinkle with a little nutmeg. I prefer planing a little bit of the fresh - the flavor difference is noticeable and you can usually buy the nutmeg nuts in a good market spice section (and I don't mean Wal-Mart when I say "good"...)

Put four of the ramekins in the microwave at a time and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. The custards will be bubbling when you take them out.

Store them in the fridge. I like to hit them with the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before I enjoy one. The butter layer on the top gets cold and is yucky when it's cold... Be sure not to put too much butter on the top - my photo shows too much, but it's hard when you're taking your own picture... and the butter got a little soft under my new rockin' lights.



So what happened to Michaela? I let her sleep there for an hour or so before she started whimpering and I got her up and put her in the warm shower with her stainless steel bowl. I asked daddy to bring her a glass of cold water and when he asked why I told him I just wanted to get this party started so that I had a shot at a little sleep that night. Sure 'nuff, it worked and she was on a bed of couch cushions on my bedroom floor about ten minutes later.

I'm happy to report that everyone is back to normal again - whatever that means... and sadly, we're already out of custard.

7 comments:

  1. Hopefully you all are enjoying your custard today!

    I used to heat custard with some spinkled sugar on top with a flame..it makes it crispy on top..how i like it.

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  2. Only you could get away with posting about children tossing their cookies combined with how to make a yummy custard. LOL.

    I love the cabinet lights. I've needed those too.

    I especially love the "out of the mouths of babes" quote. I understand. :0)

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  3. Dawn - Creme Brulee is one of my all time favorite desserts (when done right). Basically bacause it's mostly a custard (only much creamier)and I love that crisp burnt sugar on top.

    I have more than my fair share of kitchen torches...

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  4. Glad the kiddos are feeling better, hope your ankle is well soon, the custard sounds yummy!!!! Awesome for DH and home improvement jobs....seems y'all are doing more around the house lately. Anything we should know hmmmmm????
    Hugs, :) Heather S.

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  5. Those pictures of her on the bathroom floor are so sad. She looks so tiny.

    We aren't custard/pudding lovers at our house. I think you'd have to grow up with it to have it be comfort food. I just think, "yuck".

    Love the lights! Lisa~

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  6. I'm so glad all is better. I love Creme Brulee!!

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  7. Poor thing, glad to hear everyone is feeling better now!

    I've never heard of drinking cold water to bring on the puking. Is that all you have to do? I'll try that the next time we're up all night with a tummy ache. Thanks!

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