Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups whole milk
Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking dish and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it is just about to boil. Remove from heat.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine. This process tempers the eggs so they don’t curdle.
Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top lightly with ground nutmeg or cinnamon, if desired.
Place the baking dish into a larger pan and carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the custard dish. This water bath (bain-marie) helps ensure gentle, even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm, or refrigerate until chilled.
Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top, if desired.
Enjoy.